Theater Appreciation – Scene Analysis
Description:
Break down the visual elements of one of the scenes provided below. Like the Image Analysis, you need to only select one of the scenes below. Analyze the function of the visual choices within the broader contexts of mood, theme, and character.
Part 1: What do you see as the main themes and messages of La La Land? Explain.
Part 2: Using part one to give your thoughts context, breakdown the many different visual components of your selected scenes and discuss how different shots throughout the scene use these various elements to communicate a deeper understanding of mood, theme, and/or character.
Make sure you discuss all the visual elements of the scene. You are encouraged to break your scene down via topic. You do not need to discuss every shot, but do not just analyze only one shot – look at differing visual expressions from multiple shots throughout the scene. You should reference at least one shot for each topic, and then explore how that visual element enhances or deepens the meaning of the shot. The topics you need to explore include:
- Tone
- Color
- Composition (angle, scale, framing, visual balance)
- Space (flat space, deep space, or surface division)
- Movement (blocking and camera)
- Production design (costumes, setting, make-up, and props) ● Lighting
A complete paper will probably need to be at least 2 pages or longer to sufficiently cover every topic on the list.
You will be assessed on:
- Articulation of theme (10 points)
- Ability to relate those themes and psychologies to specific shots and visual elements within the shots (10 points)
- Correct usage of terminology (10 points)
- Overall organization and clarity of the paper, video, or audio presentation (10 points)
Again, just choose one of these scenes / sequences to breakdown. Scene 1 (Mia hears Seb play) https://youtu.be/TTc6qSewNlw
Scene 2 (Seb gets fired) https://youtu.be/eIKttS-cXqU
Scene 3 (Their first date) https://youtu.be/iZTOXdkq43U