Alfred Hitchcock

"Alfred Hitchcock 1955" by CBS Television - eBayfrontback. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Alfred_Hitchcock_1955.jpg#mediaviewer/File:Alfred_Hitchcock_1955.jpg

Alfred Hitchcock: The Master of Suspense

• Before we dive into Psycho, check out some notes on Hitchcock; a more comprehensive look at him can be found at "TV Tropes."
• The man is iconic, and one of the most important figures in film history. He was also extremely charismatic, which helped audiences connect with him, as can be seen in this fun compilation of all the set-ups for his show "Alfred Hitchcock Presents."
• Here is a nice little clip that analyzes Hitchcock's view on suspense.

Short Films

Today we wrap up our short films. We've looked at three, and have one more to go: "Fits and Starts." This one defies analysis...and that's the point. 

Our assessment for this mini-unit is to choose one of the films we viewed and write an "analysis paragraph." Check out some tips on writing about film. 

Terms quiz moved to tomorrow. 

Short Films

To get used to responding to film in an analytic way, we will practice note-taking. While plot is important (it provides a basis for understanding the story), we want to focus on the film form. Remember those film terms we went over? Take notes on things like lighting, camera movement, colors, sound, music, and editing. From there, (after viewing) we try to go a little deeper--what was the filmmaker trying to achieve? What is s/he saying?

Use the handout to take notes. After we watch four films, there will be an assessment where you choose one film and write a paragraph answering this question: What is the filmmaker trying to achieve and how does s/he achieve it?

Film Terms Quiz on Wednesday.

Film Terms and Cinematic Language

As we move forward with beginning to look at the film form ("Formal Analysis"), it's important to be familiar with the form itself. We need a base shared language from which to start from. That's where "Film Terms You Should Know" comes from.

This will be quizzed next week. But before we can really dive into watching films, we have to go through and learn these terms. I've created a slide show to go along with this list, and that is what we will be going over the next couple of days.

A low-angle shot-this is often used to make the subject appear more powerful or in control.

"Pallas Athena Velletri Louvre" by Frank Kovalchek from Anchorage, Alaska, USA - Friends, Romans, Countrymen!Uploaded by russavia. Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pallas_Athena_Velletri_Louvre.jpg#mediaviewer/File:Pallas_Athena_Velletri_Louvre.jpg

Film Analysis Class!

Welcome to Film Analysis with Mr. Bujold! My hope is that you come out of this class with a deeper understanding of the film form, and the ability to look at films with a more critical eye. This blog will serve as a place for you to get handouts, find links to fun things, and get the daily agenda. Go to the "Units/Handouts" tab to download any documents I hand out in class.

Today's Agenda:

• Fill out "Get to know you" sheet
• Go over the expectations/syllabus/permission slip
• Accessing prior knowledge: What do you know about the technical aspects of film?
• Class Brainstorm
• What are the qualities of a "great" movie?
• What are some of your favorite movies?
• If there is time: "Looking at Movies" DVD-"Film Analysis" (15 minutes)