Film Language

Paper Code: 
BMA 501
Credits: 
3
Contact Hours: 
45.00
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.

Unit I: 
Introduction

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.

Unit II: 
Language and Terminologies

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.

Unit III: 
Literary Works

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.

Unit IV: 
Classic Films Case Study

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. Steven D. Katz, “Shot By Shot”.
2. Ellen Besen, “Animation Unleashed”.