FM1 - Micro Analysis Model

Below is a mini-sample of a micro analysis based on a scene from the film 'Twilight'. Please note the length of the mini clip I have analysed and the micro-features I am focusing on to create meaning. This is a model that you can use to inform your own analyses but remember not to copy this as that would be plagiarism.

I have highlighted where each of the micro-features are mentioned as well as the spectator and the director.

The key is:

• Director
• Spectator
• Sound
• Performance
• Cinematography

Explore how sound, performance and cinematography create meaning for the spectator in the chosen sequence (0.19.53 - 0.20.02) from Catherine Hardwicke's 'Twilight'.

The scene opens with a two shot of Bella and Edward. They are walking down a hallway crowded with students and lined with lockers. As they walk towards the camera the spectator realises that the diegetic sounds of the students in the hallway have been kept to a minimum. By doing this, the director ensures that the dialogue between Bella and Edward is undisturbed and marks the two out as the most important part of this scene.

Edward is looking intently at Bella and he askes her, 'Why didn't you move with your mother and Phil?' The spectator can see that Bella is taken aback by the bluntness of the question as she blinks, looks away and opens her mouth several times before speaking. When she does reply, she pulls her arms closer around herself, making her seem unhappy to the spectator. Edward's expression, meanwhile, is intense and the spectator can tell that, although he does not look directly at Bella, his body and face are angled towards her and he is listening to every word.

This is an activity it is worth you doing with your own analyses. Make sure that you have mentioned each of the micro-features, the director and the spectator.

Remember - avoid waffling and be succinct!