FILM LANGUAGE

Paper Code: 
BMA 511
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

To acquaint themselves with the history and aesthetics of films. To look into the major film theories and genres and gain an awareness regarding the basic terminology of films. To reaffirm the close connection between literature and films by examining some cinematic adaptations of well-known literary works.

Introduction to the history and growth of cinema - Major film theories and genres – Apparatus, Auteur, Formalist, Ideological, Psychoanalytical, Structuralist, Realist, Neo-realist and Generic film theories with special reference to eminent film personalities and celebrated films in various ages, cultures and languages.

The language of films - Shots- Sequences- Mise-en scene- Editing- Cuts - Montage-30 degree rule - 180 degree rule - Temporal ellipses - Three point light - Off-screen space - Sound and colour - Production - Distribution - Exhibition - Reception – Censorship. Introduction to: Digital filmmaking - Animation – Telefilms.

Critical examination of the following films with special reference to the famous literary works from which they are adapted:

1. My Fair Lady – A film adaptation of Bernard Shaw’s play ‘Pygmalion’.

2. Ganasathru - Based on Henrik Ibsen’s ‘An Enemy of the People”.

3. Mother - Based on Maxim Gorky’s novel of the same name

4. Chemmeen - Based on Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai’s novel of the same name.

Films Recommended for Viewing:

a. Gold Rush - Silent Cinema

b. Bicycle Thieves - Neo Realism

c. Mother and Son - Russian Classic

d. The Sound of Music - European Classic

e. All the Presidents Men - Hollywood classic

f. Seven Samurai -Asian Classic

g. Pather Panchali - Indian Classic.

h. Piravi -Malayalam Classic

ESSENTIAL READINGS: 
  1. Paul Wells, “Basics Animation: Scriptwriting”, Bloomsbury Publishing India Private Limited (2007) .
  2. Chris Robinson, “The Animation Pimp: An Official AWN Press Publication (Awn Official Guide)”, Delmar Cengage Learning; 1 edition (6 July 2007).
REFERENCES: 
  1. Christy Marx, “Writing for Animation, Comics, and Games”, Focal Press (1 September 2005).
  2. Jeffrey Scott, “How to Write for Animation”, Overlook Hardcover; 1 edition (10 June 2002).
Academic Year: