Music: John Carpenter almost always composes his own scores for his films, his unique electronic style greatly impacts the atmosphere and style of each of his films. His music style has become so popular that it was heavily paid homage to in the music of Stranger Things.
Steadicam: John Carpenter was the one first directors to use the steadicam, most famously in the opening shot of Halloween (1978). Carpenter constantly uses the steadicam to create a feel of unease in the audience.
Slow burn: In his thrillers, Carpenter takes his time. He is very deliberate on what he shows the audience as he slowly builds up to his scares.
As you view films, consider how the cuts, camera angles, shots, and movement work to create particular meanings. Think about how they establish space, privilege certain characters, suggest relationships, and emphasize themes. In addition to shot distances, angles, editing, and camera movement, note details of the narrative, setting, characters, lighting, props, costume, tone, and sound.
6. What “happens” in the plot (Brief description)?
7. How does the film influence particular reactions on the part of viewers (sound, editing, characterization, camera movement, etc.)? Why does the film encourage such reactions?
9. How are the characters costumed and made-up? What does their clothing or makeup reveal about their social standing, ethnicity, nationality, gender, or age? How do costume and makeup convey character?
10. How does the lighting design shape our perception of character, space, or mood?
12. What is the music’s purpose in the film? How does it direct our attention within the image? How does it shape our interpretation of the image? What stands out about the music?
14. Give an example of what a film critic had to say about this film. Use credible sources and cite sources.Example: “The Shawshank Redemption Movie Review (1994) | Roger Ebert.” All Content. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 June 2015.
15. Select one scene no longer than 5 minutes that represents well the whole film and shows relevant cinematic elements. Write a one-sentence description of the scene and record the time of the scene.Example: from 1:05:00 to 1:10:00.Explain why you chose this scene.
PLACE THE TIME STAMP FROM THE SCENE HERE… Example: 00:00:00 – 00:05:00
16.In the selected scene: write a sentence for each of the elements below to justify why this scene best represents the film: