Blog Post 3 - Scene Analysis & Film Lessons

For the first part of this assignment, I will discuss the well-known "TIE Fighter Attack" sequence from the original Star Wars (Episode IV - A New Hope to us Star Wars geeks).


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38V4YPbF-Dk

Although I wouldn't normally begin with music in a visual medium like film, I think the first thing to note is the use of the underscoring, with its almost ticking clock-like buildup to the actual attack. The heroes who are escaping from the enemy base know an attack is coming, and the steady beat and slightly rising pitch of the music adds to the tension.

Director George Lucas keeps his actors in medium shot as they get in position to defend against the attack.

The first moment of attack is accompanied by a musical sting, and the director uses close-ups on the actor's faces for the first time - another way of intensifying the immediacy and urgency of the action. As battle builds to a climax, the music builds with it, as does the pace of the editing. Whereas early in the sequence shots lasted as long as 4 or 5 seconds, the shots as the scene culminates are only 1 or 2 seconds at most.

There are only a couple camera movements, and those occur on exterior shots when the enemy ships strafe the larger Millenium Falcon. There is a practical reasons for this: with the black backdrop of space, there is really no frame of reference for camera movement. Also, there is so much movement within the frame, that moving the frame itself would only confuse things.

The length of shots extend once the battle is over, concluding with an long shot of the ship safely speeding away.


Now, how would I teach film lessons.
1. I would have students do this same assignment, choosing a sequence of at least 2 minutes and breaking it down shot by shot, describing the framing, camera movement, sound, lighting, and editing techniques. The objective would be to see how they apply their understanding of these film terms.
2. I would have them write short scenes and storyboard them in visual terms and then either in oral or written form explain why they chose the shots they chose. The objective would be to see how they apply their understanding of the film techniques they have learned.
3. With access to camcorders and computers, I would have students film and edit 2-3 minute scenes incorporating the standard, Establishing shot, medium shot, close-up, over-the-shoulder pattern, along with whatever other techniques they want to use. There is no substitute for learning by doing.