The Key Elements of Film Form

The Key Elements of Film Form

Mise-en-scène

• Mise-en-scène refers to what the audience sees on screen. It means ‘to place on stage’ in French.
• Includes all visual aspects: set design, colour, lighting, costumes, make-up, and actor placement.
• Used to create certain moods or to convey specific information to viewers.
• Example: The use of muted colours and old-fashioned costumes in “The King’s Speech” implies that the story is set in the past.

Cinematography

• Cinematography involves the use of the camera to capture the scenes.
• Camera angles, framings, and movements are all part of cinematography.
• Can impact how audiences interpret a scene, guide focus on important elements, or build tension.
• Example: The long take in “Children of Men” (2006) intensifies the film’s chaotic atmosphere.

Editing

• Editing is the process of piecing together films shots into a coherent sequence.
• Includes transitions, montage, rhythm, and pace.
• Creates a relationship between shots, and dictates the flow of the narrative.
• Example: Fast-paced editing in “Mad Max: Fury Road” (2015) mirrors the relentless action and high energy of the film.

Sound

• Sound in film includes dialogue, sound effects, diegetic (sourced within the film world) and non-diegetic (external to the film world) sound.
• Can be used to enhance the narrative, create mood and atmosphere, and to support a film’s themes.
• Example: The sinister non-diegetic sound score in “The Dark Knight” (2008) builds tension and suspense.

Narrative Structure

• Narrative structure covers how the story is organised and to what effect.
• Includes elements such as exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and denouement.
• Narrative can be linear (straightforward timeline), non-linear (jumps in time), or fragmented (intermixed storylines).
• Example: Non-linear storytelling is effectively used in “Inception” (2010) to mirror the layers of dream-worlds the characters navigate.

Representation

• Representation looks at how characters, groups, locations, ideas, and events are portrayed in film.
• Important to consider aspects like stereotyping, cultural representation, gender roles, and political beliefs.
• Example: The representation of artificial intelligence in “Ex Machina” (2014) provides commentary on contemporary societal fears and debates.

Film Genre

• Film genre involves categorising films based on shared conventions, themes and style.
• Key genres from 2005 onwards include superhero movies, fantasy, post-apocalyptic, and dystopian.
• Example: “Nightcrawler” (2014) is an example of the neo-noir genre, with its morally ambiguous characters, urban setting, and dark tone.