Viewing Other Students' Work

Hello!

This week, one of my group members and I watched and analyzed other students' opening scenes. Here is our analysis of each:

Alexander Maguire completed analyses 1-4:

1. “Dare to Thrill” 

In this opening scene, handheld shots are commonly used. This makes the viewers feel like they are also along in the action, and it is done really well. Once in the car, there are multiple close-up shots paired with quick cuts to follow the actions of putting in the keys and turning up the volume. This gives the opening scene a feeling of action which is further added to by the music. The only thing I would change in this opening scene is at 1:12 in the video where it goes from a handheld camera going around the parking garage to a flat static shot with no movement right after as they pull out. I would have at least panned the camera to follow the car as it was leaving so as not to make the cut so noticeable.  
 

2. “Always Watching” 

 In this second video, the first noticeable element I would change is to put the camera on a stand rather than it being handheld, due to the slight movements and it not being too overdone I assume the effect of a handheld camera wasn't intentional. The timing of the cuts also seems out of place at times such as a cut of two very similar shots at 0:32 and another cut at 0:34. Another element is the sound mixing itself on the video, the dialogue is hard to hear at times, and can be overshadowed by the sound effects. One element of the sound I do like is how the dialogue or sound effects are layered over the supposed flashback so the audience doesn't hear the audio of the flashback. This creates a more suspenseful mood.  
 

3. “The Blue Boar” 

In the third video, there is a use of the closeup shot on the faces of the protagonist and her mother. Focusing on just the mother's mouth when she is talking helps give the audience a feeling of coldness toward her and sympathy toward the protagonist. My favorite technical element of this scene is the natural lighting, with the start being more in the day with it being sunny and bright, and towards the end of the scene likely being sunset with more shadows. At around 1:52 there is a superimposition of the sticks and leaves to what can be assumed to be the "blue boar." Although this is a good idea, the execution in having to move the figure in editing to fit the text seemed unnatural. If the blue boar was superimposed on the center where it didn't need to be moved it would come across more naturally.   

 

4. “White Coat” 

The camerawork in this opening scene is incredibly well done. Such as the focus pull right at the start or the various close-up shots on the beakers or the tied-up person in the chair. It gives a mysterious feeling but also seems in place for an "opening scene." Another great use is the tilt in 1:09 as it also adds to the mysterious feel. The use of smoke is great for the setting of the lab as well. One thing I would change is that some cuts seem to happen too quickly, disorienting the audience. This is mainly due to some long shots accompanying this right after. 

I completed analyses 5-8:

5. “Stalker” 

This opening scene includes medium shots, close-ups, and over-the-shoulder shots that are handheld. However, there aren’t many editing techniques, mostly straight cuts, and very little camera movement with the rare inclusion of a zoom or tilt. As for the mise-en-scène, the protagonist wears casual clothing and is portrayed in settings of her home and school. There isn’t a change in lighting, as the entirety of the scene is shot using natural lighting of sunlight and ambience light. The best technical element of this opening scene would be the close-up at 0:46 that shows the protagonist’s confusion and concern. I think the worst technical element of this opening scene, however, would be the repetition and overuse of straight cuts. After watching this student’s work, my group and I will make sure to use a larger variety of editing and camera movements such as L-cuts, eyeline matches, and tracking shots to achieve a more creative and unique scene. 

 

6. “Nostalgia” 

This opening scene consists almost entirely of close-ups and extreme close-ups. There are many tilts throughout, as well. Additionally, there is classical music playing over the whole scene. However, there’s a great lack of editing because all the scenes are straight cuts although there was a lot of opportunity to utilize overlays, match cuts, or even a dissolve that would’ve fit into the scene’s theme. The best technical element of this opening scene would be the bright colors and high-key lighting that clarify the protagonist is reminiscing rather than regretful. The worst from this scene would be the minimal number of technical elements that were overall used, barely any different camera shots and movements or editing. After viewing this opening scene, my group and I will add a greater diversity of camera shots; we want to include wide shots, full shots, and overhead shots, as well as include appropriate music to the scene. 

 

7. “Rise”  

This opening scene has a large variety of camera shots and angles, including but not limited to full shots, close-ups, over-the-shoulder, and medium shots, as well as high and low angles. There’s a lot of movement like tilts and tracking shots. Additionally, the scene is filmed in natural lighting with sunlight and ambience lighting. There’s upbeat music during the scene when appropriate. Also, the props like soccer cleats and a ball, as well as the costumes are highly exemplary. Most impressive, there’s several editing transitions and techniques like focus pulls and jump cuts. After analyzing this opening scene, my group and I will try to create our scene in a cohesive way that works with a large variety of technical elements and include interesting yet reasonable props and costumes. 

 

8. “Dear Lover” 

This opening scene has a wide variety of camera shots like establishing shots, close-ups, over-the-shoulder, overhead shots, and two-shots. There isn’t any type of camera movement, however. The scene includes several fades as a transition and has J-cuts of the off-screen therapist asking the protagonist if she misses her lover. There are appropriate costumes for the actresses when they’re at the pond and in the therapist’s clinic. The scene has emotional music and a voiceover throughout.  There’s also several moments with a soft focus to emphasize how the scene is portraying a flashback. The best technical element in the scene, in my opinion, is the overhead two-shot used. My critique would be to ensure the music doesn’t overpower the protagonist’s lines. After viewing this opening scene, my group and I will ensure we properly edit the sounds of our scene to guarantee everything can be heard clearly. 

Thank you for reading!