Considerations for Analyzing Film:

Every part of filmmaking is an act of interpretation

 

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Structure

 

Camera Work

 

Editing

 

Flashbacks

 

Montage

 

Crosscutting

 

Cinematic Imagery

 

Motif and Symbol

 

Style

 

Choice:

            Director

            Screenwriter

            Casting

            Costuming

            Location

            Setting

 

Characterization:  casting, dialogue, costume, acting, blocking

 

Sound

 

Music (individual songs, score, soundtrack)

 

Questions for consideration:

 

Is a film a text? Can it be “read”?

 

Should the film version (screen adaptation) of a written text be an exact representation of the literature?

 

Should the film be judged based on how closely it resembles the written text?

 

Is the film adaptation an altogether different text?

 

Consider the stages/process of creation from written text to film. What interpretive challenges/decisions are negotiated in this process?