The Art of Film

One of the most important aspects I learned through this course is to be open to diversity. Most, if not all, films share a similar goal in trying to portray a relatable message to their audience. I had the pleasure in studying films such as A Trip to the Moon, Double Indemnity, and The Diving Bell and the Butterfly expanded my preference for films whilst creating an impact. However, I believe that films such as Total Recall, Inception, and The Wizard of Oz are three films that should also be focused on when studying the art of film.

A Trip to The Moon, 1902 (Georges Méliès) 

This silent French film introduced me to foreign, classic, and silent film styles. Its use of special effects at such an early generation inspires many aspiring directors to further engage audiences beyond their imagination. The painted backgrounds, animated objects, and in-camera effects invites the audience into an emotional experience to voyage along with the scientists. 

Double Indemnity, 1944 (Billy Wilder)

Upon reading articles about film studies, Double Indemnity had always been the film to accurately define and portray film noir. Like a true film noir, this film includes Walter Neff as the oblivious good guy turned bad due to the seductive femme fatale, Phyllis Dieterchson. Camerawork such as the use of high and low angles truly help to set the mysterious atmosphere of the film. In addition, its rounded narration shows a interesting yet exceptional twist to the story. 

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, 2007 (Julian Schnabel)

I believe that this was the most influential film studied in this course, mostly because of its camerawork. The audience is able to view the movie in a tasteful point of view from the main character, Jean Do... actually the audience IS Jean Do. The use of ECUs (extreme close-ups) and low camera angles draws attention to the cinematography in a powerful and unique way. 

The Wizard of Oz, 1939 (Victor Flemming) 

The Wizard of Oz not only demonstrates an exquisite execution with transition into a colored film, but also includes elements of mine-en-scene that should truly be studied in a film course. Flemming's precise placement of props set an imaginative yet homely scene. The careful use of lighting from brightness of Emerald City to the darkness of the Wicked Witch's castle, shows the obstacles and aspirations of Dorothy and her friends. All in all, The Wizard of Oz, shows complex film work that continues to prove itself as influential and noteworthy. 

Total Recall, 1990 (Paul Verhoeven)

Although this action, sic-fi film may come off as cheesy, Verhoeven's use of special effects accurately demonstrates artistry in the film industry. The deformed creatures of Mars exemplify an advanced use of makeup and CGI. In addition, the dark lighting of the film poised as a smart tool to show the darkness of Mars and its evils. Its early use of technology and equipment can be further compared and analyzed with other science fiction movies of its time and there afterwards. 

Inception, 2010 (Christopher Nolan) 

This film is a movie that makes its audience think. Although, much of American film follows the basic format of introduction, plot, resolution, Inception never really gives a clear answer and leaves its audience in wonder. Inception includes studied elements such as film noir, mise-en-scene, and outstanding camerawork and editing through its confusion between the settings of Dom Cobb's realities and dreams. The use of diegetic and nondiegetic sounds, parallel editing, varieties of shots, make-up, and propsngives a fresh analysis for even experienced film addicts.