FM1: Choosing a Film Clip for Analysis

Identify up to three clips from different films that are 3-5 minutes in length. Your chosen clips should serve a purpose in the film: you, as the spectator must learn something from them about characters, plot development or similar.

These clips must be given to Mrs Griffiths to check them - either as a DVD or in digital format - with the clip timings clearly identified.

For example, when watching the clip from Casino Royale [Campbell, 2006] you will notice that the director established the genre of the film, the key character(s) and some events central to plot development. Key micro features are performance, editing, mise-en-scene, cinematography and sound.

In the opening to Face/Off  [Woo, 1996] the director establishes a key plot point that will drive the rest of the story forward and provides motivation for the actions of central characters. It also identifies the genre and the central characters. Key micro features are sound, editing, performance and cinematography.

Choose a sequence that:

• Serves a purpose in the film as a whole
• Clearly helps the spectator to understand something important from the sequence
• Uses clear examples of micro features to establish understanding
• Is 3-5 minutes in length
• You enjoy!