An Art form in itself
Robert Haskins
ENG 225: Introduction to Films
Hannah Judson
28 June 2010
Filmmaking Analysis: An Art form in itself
The art of motion pictures have been compared to other forms of expression art, but what makes it unique is that other art forms are incorporated into motion pictures. Through moving pictures, a story can be told with fluidity and rhythm, like music. Much like a sculpture molds clay or stone into something beautiful; a filmmaker can show us their vision or perspective of a story. Motion pictures have a way of influencing us to change the world, make us laugh and make us cry. This powerful medium has altered our world and has helped shape our culture. Analysis and evaluation …show more content…
Music can be used to describe certain periods or geographical places. You could not imagine hearing an upbeat jazz tune in the movie Gandhi (Attenborough, 1982) or a western player piano song being played during a close-up scene in Gladiator (Scott, 2000); it just would not fit into the motion picture. The musical score can also build dramatic tension to heighten the atmosphere and give the viewer an indication of something important is about to happen. A leitmotif is a specific kind of instrumentation to announce the appearance of a character. (Boggs, Petrie, 2008, pg. 299) Another way filmmakers use music is in transitions from one scene to the next or signaling a change in location. Music can also create a diversion from a particular weakness in the film, whether it is the set design, the dialog, or the acting. (Boggs, Petrie, 2008, pg. 307) The various uses of the musical score are essential for the cohesion of the motion …show more content…
Ever since sound was put into motion pictures, the importance of the sound effect has been loud and clear. Sound effects are either visible or invisible. Visible sound is when the sound that is coming from something that is being seen in the frame. Invisible sound is the sound that is created from off screen. (Boggs, Petrie, 2008, pg. 262) Both types of sound have an important role in creating the realism for the scene. Just as there are cinematic viewpoints for the visual effects, being objective or subjective, the same goes for sound effects. An objective viewpoint, from the standpoint of sound, is when we are casual listeners from an external point. A subjective viewpoint would then be what the character is hearing and the filmmakers make it possible for the viewer to become more involved in the action of the