Cinematography: final blog tasks

Cinematography: final blog tasks


Watch the following extract from Lawrence of Arabia (1962), directed by David Lean.

1.Discuss how the use of long shots creates tension and suspense in the sequence.
The cinematographer significantly uses Long shots to generate tension and suspense since the audience are unable to identify the character which creates enigma codes. The audience are unaware of the situation as well as the two characters closer to the camera. Furthermore, the frightened and confused look on the main character creates tension since the same emotion is reflected on the audience. 

2. Who are the audience encouraged to identify with
The audience are more engaged with the main character Lawrence due to the numerous of closeups of him. The producer wants the audience to identify and have personal relationship with Lawrence since hes the main image of the movie and determines the decisions made in the storyline.

 
Watch the following extract from Citizen Kane (1940), directed by Orson Welles.

1.Discuss the various shots and camera movements and their effects.
The clip mostly consists of establishing shots however moves closer to median and close up shots. Tracking and pan shots are shown when showing the whole landscape in an establishing shot. The clip is very dull and dark creating an eerie and spooky atmosphere. 

2.How does the cinematography work with other aspects of film language you have studied to create 
 meaning?
The dark and dull atmosphere created by the lighting reinforcing it with long shots, really intimidates and frightens the audience since they do not know what is inside that house.  



Watch the following extract from Moulin Rouge (2001), directed by Baz Luhrmann.

1.Comment on how the various shots and camera movements help to introduce the story.
The various of shots and camera movements shows binary opposition since in the beginning, closeup shot is taken to see the powerful and sad emotions expressed. Whereas, in the other scene, tracking shot is taken to capture everyone dancing full of joy while the man cries.

2.How does the cinematography work with other aspects of film language?
A very dim lighting is used when there is a close up of the man typing. This changes the whole mood and reinforces the emotion the man is exhibiting. Whereas, in the other location, alot of high key lighting is used to express realism while the people dance happily.   

 Watch the following extract from Three Colours: Blue (1993), directed by Krzysztof Kieslowski.


1.How does the use of close-up shots enhance our understanding of the narrative?
The tires moving at a very fast pace foreshadows something terrible in the future as it builds tension and suspense as continues to its destination. The close up of the worried little girl creates enigma codes for the audience to resolve and understand the narrative. 

2.Discuss the emotional impact of the sequence. How do the close-ups contribute to this? 
The close up of the little girl's worried look evokes sympathy from the audience since they are unaware of the reason why shes upset. This creates an emotional atmosphere since the audience are worried for the girl's well being as well as conveying their thought and feelings towards the scenario that is going to happen which they know is inevitable.