English 10-2 Film Study

FREEDOM WRITERS
FILM STUDY

Notes & Questions Booklet

English 10-2 Film Study

Name:
Terms for Directing Camera Work, Sound & Effects Camera Shots & Angles
POV Point of View: This may indicate that the camera is viewing the scene From above (a high angle shot) From below (a low angle shot) From overhead or Birds eye view (camera is directly above the scene) From ground level (camera is on the ground pointing upward) From other positions that result in a specific effect Long Shot the viewing field takes in objects and scenery far into the background Medium Shot the viewing field shows people in full length but only part of the setting Close-up the viewing field shows part of no more than one or two people in the frame, usually only upper body, or faces Med-long Shot the viewing field falls between medium and long shot distances Med-close-up the viewing field falls between medium shot and close-up distances Extreme close-up the viewing field is much closer than the typical close-up view, showing less than a full face Zoom in the viewing field gradually closes in on the subject Zoom out the viewing field gradually pulls away from the subject. Zooming in or out may also be done at different speeds, fast or slow. The terms pull in and pull out mean the same thing. Pan the camera turns on its horizontal axis to follow movement from left to right or vice versa, or to show a wider view of a setting than can be shown from one spot Dolly shot the camera follows action from a position that moves with the subject and parallel to its movement. The camera is mounted on a moveable dolly to keep it steady as it moves along. Fade the scene gradually disappears into gray or black.

English 10-2 Film Study Dissolve to one scene gradually fades away as the next scene becomes clearer over top Cut to an instant shift from one scene or shot type to another Superimpose an image is put overtop of or behind another image

Lighting
Three-point lighting a common arrangement using three directions of light on a scene: from behind the subjects (backlighting); from one bright source (key light); and from a dimmer source opposite the key light (fill light). High-key lighting ratio of key light to fill light is small, creating brilliant illuminations, few shadows, and a minimum contrast. Favoured in Hollywood comedies and light dramas.

Low-key lighting lighting style in which the majority of a scene is scarcely lit. Usually enhanced by dark costumes and sets. Direction of light source overhead; side-lighting; backlighting; light from below; angel light (backlighting which creates halo of light around subjects hair, usually to enhance glamour or innocence of female character).

Sound speech, noise & music

Diegetic sound sound that has a source in the story (spoken words, natural sounds) Nondiegetic sound sound coming from a source outside the film ( most common is music artificially added to enhance the films action or drama). Voice-over a voice of a non-visible narrator over the picture; gives the effect of speaking with knowledge or authority. Onscreen sound the source of the sound is in the story diagetic and visible onscreen within a shot. Offscreen sound the sounds come from within the story diagetic but are in a space outside the limits of the frame ( for example, we may hear a character speak or sing, but we may not see his/her body onscreen at that point. Or we may hear shots being fired, but we dont see the action of firing them onscreen). Music music often enhances the emotion directors and/or screenplay writers are trying to portray. Ex. Quiet, classical music is often played during peaceful moments in a scene.

English 10-2 Film Study

Colours Effect on Viewer or Information Provided

Red commands attention; exciting, stimulating; evocative of danger, love and lust. Blue non-threatening; calm, wholesome, healthy Yellow welcoming, friendly and happy; secure Green youthful and fresh; associated with nature, growth; relaxing Purple royal; dignified, expensive (especially when paired with gold) Black mysterious, sophisticated; gloomy and threatening Brown earthy; warm, comforting and homey White purity and innocence; healthy Pastels (blue and pink): innocent, calming Orange energy, balance, heat, fire, enthusiasm, and autumn Shapes Effect on Viewer or Information Provided Rounded relaxing, feminine, inviting, sensual Angular & straight masculine, powerful Jagged upsetting, threatening
*Compiled using resources from the Senior High School ELA Guide to Implementation (Alberta Learning) and Carol Korans Film as Literature.

Character Tracking Chart Freedom Writers Complete the following character chart as a way to help you keep track of the characters in the film. Not all of the characters will play a significant role in every scene, but you need to keep adding details throughout the film. CHARACTER Brandy Developmental Details

Gloria

Alejandro

English 10-2 Film Study Andre

Eva

Ben

Sindy

Jamal

CHARACTER Tito

Developmental Details

Marcus

Victoria

Dr. Cohn

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Margaret Campbell

Erin Gruwell

Freedom Writers English 10-1 Film Study As we watch the movie, take notes on the following: 1. Descriptions and details of the different settings: Woodrow Wilson High School

Classroom (at the beginning)

Borders (first change in seating plan)

English 10-2 Film Study

Compare Sindys & Evas homes

Classroom (at the end)

2. Identification and examples of the main conflicts

3. Examples of light, music and camera shots to enhance our viewing experience

4. Identification of any motifs (recurrent ideas, symbols, themes)

English 10-2 Film Study

Answer the following questions. 1. How do you think Erin Gruwell felt after the first day of school? Why would the students react so negatively to her?

2. Discuss the Toast for Change. What is significant about that moment?

3. Which character did you like the best in this film? Why?

4. Discuss the significance of the following scenes: a. Museum of Tolerance Visit

b. Library Visit

c. Evas Court Appearance

English 10-2 Film Study

d. Finding out Ms. Gruwell didnt teach Jr. or Sr. English

e. Choosing to name their book Freedom Writers

Viewing Activity Clip Title: Literary Aspects

English 10-2 Film Study

Clip Title: Dramatic Aspects

Clip Title: Cinematic Aspects Sights Sounds

Viewing Activity Film Title: Scene: Sights

English 10-2 Film Study Sounds

Events

Characters

Literary

Dramatic