750–1000 words (~3–4 pages) + Segmentation Chart
In this is assignment you will perform a close analysis of one of the segments listed below. The assignment has two parts.
1) The basis of your formal analysis will be a segmentation chart attached as an appendix to your essay, in which you will:
Number the shots (indicating any notable transitional devices, e.g., dissolve, wipe)
Note the framing of each shot, indicating camera distance, any variations in angle, and any repetitions of set ups (noting repeated shot number in parentheses)
Mark camera movement, if any
Note the subject(s) of the shot
Note the relative duration of the shot (+/-)
Note any speaking characters, on or off camera [off camera indicated in brackets]
Note any other sound elements if applicable, such as music or effects
Describe significant elements of narration
Prepare your chart as a table in a word processing or spreadsheet application. A template is available at the end of this assignment. Be sure to provide a key for abbreviations you use beyond conventional framing terminology (i.e., S/M suffices for noting Static or Moving camera; no need to explain that CU is for close up, MS for medium shot, etc., but explain if you are using shorthand for character names or objects, such as Peter = P, or baby cart = B).
2) In your essay (750–1000 words), present an argument in which you do the following:
Briefly, in a paragraph or less, paraphrase the segment in narrative terms. That is, describe the context of the segment in terms of setting, characters and action, exposition and/or problem, and situate the scene within the film (at which point in the narrative does it occur, what is its function for developing, complicating, or resolving narrative conflicts?).
Describe the internal organization of the segment—opening and closing shots, shot patterns (alternation, repetition, variation, rhythm and rhyming effects), shots that stand out for their singularity, etc. This should take up the majority of your paper.
Relate the segment to the style and narrative of the film as a whole and describe its formal style in general (in terms of continuity, discontinuity, etc.).
Reflect on the relationship between the formal and stylistic organization of the segment and its narrative meanings (in terms of, for instance, race, gender, sexuality, class, ideology).
You should introduce your discussion of these meanings in the opening of your essay, leading to a thesis statement that articulates your central argument, and you should expand on this throughout the paper and in your conclusion. The formal analysis that comprises the body of the paper must substantiate your claims.
Your argument should demonstrate how paying attention to the formal and stylistic elements you’ve charted can clarify and/or complicate what we take the culturally-informed narrative content of the segment to be. The key to this assignment is to provide a clear and detailed description and argument about how the group of shots detailed in your segmentation work together as a system for conveying narrative and cultural information.
The essay must be typed, double-spaced, spell-checked and proofread, and must use a 12-point font (such as Times New Roman) and 1″ margins.
Select one of the segments below to write about.
It Happened One Night (Frank Capra, USA, 1934; 54:17 to 59:30)
Sequence: The nighttime scene at the hay bales.
Lovers Rock (Steve McQueen, 2020, 70m, 11:37 to 13:34)
Sequence: The first two songs of the night, “Darling Ooh” by Errol Dunkley and “He’s the Greatest Dancer” by Sister Sledge.
