When we analyse a film, we look at some of the same techniques that we look at in written texts, like themes, characterisation, setting and plot structure. But a film has its own visual and sound language, and we need to show that we can write about this too.

Like using quotes as evidence in your writing, film techniques are evidence that we can use to support our interpretations of films!

Film techniques include:

• Camera movement (eg. handheld, pan, dolly and tracking shots)

• Camera angles (high and low angles, Dutch tilt)

• framing or shot size (long shot, mid shot, close up, point-of-view shot, establishing shot, two-shot)

• Acting, including expression, mood, body language, tone, and the way lines are delivered.

• Mise-en-scène refers to everything in the frame (the setting). You can use this to talk about the placement of props, sets and characters, as well as colour, lighting and costume.

• Lighting including natural light (outside, lighting that looks warm like sunlight), dramatic lighting and the use of shadows.

• Sound including diegetic sound (sound that comes from within the story world, like dialogue, nature sounds) and non-diegetic sound (like voiceovers, sound FX and the soundtrack).

Using the slides below, make notes in your notebook under the heading: Film Techniques