Film Metalanguage
Juxtapositioning – the organisation of scenes so that their differences made comment – eg. gloomy interior of the Elliot kitchen and the light and grace of the Ballet School auditorium
Motif – the reception of an image (or piece of music) throughout a text contribute meaning to the work eg doors in Billy Elliot
Segue – the imperceptible movement from once scene to another
Mise-en-scene – French term – putting into the scene – the composition of a scene or shot eg the Elliot’s kitchen details, lighting tell a lot about the family life
Establishing sequence – the opening moments of a film – introduces themes, characters, setting mood
Reaction shot – generally a close-up of a character reacting to someone or something
Proxemic range:
Intimate distance (extreme close shots): ranges from skin contact to about eighteen inches away. This is the distance of physical movement – of love, comfort, and tenderness between individuals.
Personal distance (medium close shot): Ranges roughly from eighteen inches to about four feet away. This distance tends to be reversed for friends and acquaintances rather than lovers or members of a family.
Social distance (medium and full shot): Ranges from four feet to about twelve feet. These are the distances usually reserved for impersonal business and casual social gatherings.
Public distance (extreme long shot): Extend from twelve feet to twenty five feet and more. This range tends to be formal and rathe detached. Displays of emotion are considered bad form at these distances. The more distance between the camera and the subject the less emotionally attached
Framing – defines the scope of the shot – can emphasis relationships by shooting 2 people within the same frame
Social drama – a film dealing with social relationships and conflicts between characters
Techniques in Billy Elliot
Technique 1
Mise-en-scene. French for “to put in a scene” – this is the composition of elements that make up