Close Viewing

Introduction: 

This assessment requires you to show your understanding of at least four techniques used in films, through close viewing of one scene. You will be assessed on your understanding of how techniques affect viewers and create meaning within the visual text. (Here's a list of potential film techniques you could analyse, and here are the Quizlet flashcards we practised with in class.)

Background:

During class, you'll watch some visual texts, both short and feature-length. Your teacher will model close viewing for you and work with you to get a sense of what this kind of analysis looks like. As "close viewers," we're particularly interested in the relationship between:

• the director's choice of film techniques and structures

• the purpose behind the director's choices

• the effect those choices have on viewers

• how those choices help create a significant idea within a scene and in the film as a whole

Process:

Step 1: VIEWING. You will watch one scene from the film your class is studying which you have NOT analysed together in class.

Step 2: TAKING NOTES. You will be given a table where you will take notes as you watch. Your teacher will collect your notes to give feedback in the form of questions. This will help you provide better analysis in your final product. When your notes are returned, revise as needed.

Step 3: PUBLICATION. Use your notes to prepare your final assessment. You can write an essay, prepare a visual presentation (Loom), or deliver/record a speech or conversation to communicate your understanding. 

The key ideas you should cover include:

• What information the technique helps provide

• How the technique influences what the audience thinks or feels

• How each technique relates to other techniques and/or ideas in the scene/film

• How each technique serves the film's wider themes and director's overall purpose

You may refer to any notes you have taken on film techniques and their effects. You should also have a look at the assessment schedule (below) so you know what we pay attention to as we mark your work.