NOTE: Film essays require you to ANALYSE the film techniques. No film techniques = no pass. These activities will guide you in preparing for the film exam.
Activity One a) Can you L I S T three characteristics about a chosen character in the film? Example: Mana in The Dark Horse is naive, fearful and persistent and strong.
b) Next, can you identify 3 different S C E N E S that will show these characteristics? See these 3 shots below:
(i) This long distance mid shot shows Mana's naivete. His obvious joy at winning suggests that he has previously enjoyed very little success in his sheltered past.
(ii) This mid shot shows that Mana's alert body language and fearful facial expression as he is concerned about what might happen now that his father has arrived at the chess tournament.
(iii) The mid shot shows Mana's strength in supporting Genesis despite having had a rough time himself.
c) Next, go and V I E W each scene in detail. In the above examples, we show that we know mid shots really well, but the examiner will be looking for you to show a wider level of knowledge so you could vary the film techniques. For example, in shot (i) above the subdued colours of the costumes reflect Mana's previously subdued nature (his father has suppressed him to protect him in the gang situation). In the centre of the frame is Mana's gigantic smile which emphasizes his joy at succeeding. In shot (ii), you might pick out the bright yellow t-shirt that Mana wears, as a symbol of hope for his future and in shot (iii) the make-up reminds the audience about the difficult beating that Mana suffered in the previous scene.
d) Finally, try to W R I T E a response paragraph or essay and send it to your teacher for feedback. Look up prior year questions using the links below. As you draw closer to the exam, the best way to improve is to get lots of feedback from your teacher. Make your teacher work for you. Send him/her lots of your practice writing.