Comm Arts II: In class today we began analyzing the film Project X (1987). The basic idea here is to remember that films are usually very carefully constructed. Nothing is left to chance. Whatever appears in any given frame is there for a reason, and part of film analysis involves nothing more than observing what is there, and then asking and attempting to answer the question, Why it is there? (Or perhaps better, What is the effect on the viewer of it being there?)
Let’s put our collective minds to work on the image above, which depicts the researcher Teri (played by Helen Hunt) and her subject Virgil (played by Willie). What’s there? Why do you suppose the director put it there? (Click on the image to enlarge it.)
Of course, there’s much more to analyzing film than scrutinizing still frames. But if we each contribute one or two key observations about the frame we can get a little practice and at least get started on our analysis.
For more about the film and the military research that inspired it, review pages 25-29 in Animal Liberation. For guidelines for Paper #4, click here.
Monday, April 13
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11 comments:
I see two cameras they are obviously there for protection. I see the security guard with a dog almost running out to get the guy walking. The main character is holding a black luggage bag as if he will be staying at that place for a while. They also make the place look peaceful with all the green trees and the green grass.
I see the various stop signs. i think that they are there to keep out the general public. only authorized personel are allowed to go in. I also see the speaker on the guard building. its probably there so that everone can here annoncements of used in case of emergencies.
Fitz said...
in this picture i see a man who was just dropped off by the "base shuttle" and is holding a black bag which might means he will prolly stay for awhile. there are two security cameras for safety. obviously you have to check in with the security guard for safety purposes. and there is a dog to help keep watch out.
The director wanted to show that this was a place of security. There is a person walking onto the land showing that it might be a friendly security. There is green grass showing an inviting and welcoming feeling. The time of day is a good time to show this place as well because of the blue sky and how the light hits everything sets the mood for something good instead of bad that is going to happen next.
This still seems to be a solem still. The bus is leaving. The sky isnt so bright and the dog and guard are obviously there to protect whatever is inside.
I see two men, one with a duffle bag, three cameras, a van, a stop sign, a 15 mph sign, a bridge, trees, bushes, a dog, street lights, stop guards for cars, guard booth, a building, and puddles.
In this still clip I see many things that is making it clear to anyone on the outside that this is an important, restricted building. For example, there is not only a security booth with some kind of security officer in it that is in control of the people and vehicles that can enter the premises, but also a dog to help make those decisions. Those are the obvious objects that give me the feeling of limitation, but you also see the stop sign and speed sign that are once again used to control when and how fast one is to be moving throughout the grounds. The bus then gives us vital information that the building we see is a base of operation of some kind. This is what starts putting the puzzle pieces together. The "Base Shuttle" then helps us to assume the person walking with a duffle bag is a solider entering the base.
In this still clip, many of the objects make it clear as to what the clip is trying to get across. First the two things that jump out at me the most are the stop sign and the actual word "STOP" on the counter building where lies a guard. Clearly this is a very secured building and area and other things such as the cameras and the restriction boards that do not allow for people or vehicles to come in without permission. Also, the bus labled "Base Shuttle" plays a role in this scene. The two gurds and the guard dog again promote security in the area. They are probably put there to show the level of security and restriction in this area.
I see the man walking up through the guard post instead of driving. He seems to be almost saluting the other man and is also carrying a duffle bag. There is a security guard and a guard dog that appears ready to attack. This base must be very protected. I see the base and shuttle bus sittting to the side. There are two cameras and either a speaker or alarm in the middle. It seemed to have rained earlier. Also, there are two obvious signs: one a speed limit sing and the other a stop sign. Lastly, the base seems nicely taken care of and professional.
What i se is the observation of stop sign, a gurd dog, a bus, a building, a fence, cameras, ect. bascially their is a saying in the picture that its a secert building that no one wants people to know about.
the director tried to show the place like a maximum seceriy place to show the importance of what they are doing.
JKAL
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