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Lesson 6

As a class, we will view clips and trailers from the movies we have chosen to view independently for the Section Diagnostic and the completion of an Understanding a Movie Tool. We will use the Filmmaking Glossary and our Vocabulary Journals to continue learning about filmmaking concepts and terms, and we will look for examples of movie techniques in the clips and trailers.

Lesson Goals

  • Can I apply the terms and concepts defined in my Filmmaking Glossary as I analyze movies?

  • Can I watch films and film clips in a critical way from a filmmaker’s point of view, seeing and understanding the storytelling choices that are used in the film?

Texts

There are no texts for this Lesson.

Materials

Tools

Editable Google Docs

Activity 1: Read – Discuss

As a class, we will review key concepts and terms from the Filmmaking Glossary.

As a class, identify key elements of filmmaking that you will think about and look for as you watch clips from selected movies.

Ask clarifying questions about any terms you are still uncertain about.

Activity 2: View – Discuss

We will learn to recognize the filmmakers’ “tools of the trade"—storytelling techniques and artistic choices that are described in the Filmmaking Glossary—by analyzing clips and trailers from movies.

Your teacher will show you clips and trailers from movies that you and your peers chose for your independent viewing in preparation for the Section Diagnostic task.

As you view each clip or trailer, consider the following questions:

  1. If you are interested in the clip or trailer, why?

  2. How do the filmmakers make you want to view and know more?

Use a Video Note-Taking Tool (or your Learning Log) to note examples of the tools and techniques the filmmakers are using to tell a story. Think about the following characteristics of the movie:

  • genre

  • level of realism

  • setting

  • concept

  • style

  • storyline

  • conflict

  • theme

Look for specific examples of filmmaking techniques, such as:

  • camerawork (shot, shot size, movement, duration, and angle)

  • other visual techniques

  • sound and music

  • character arc and development

From the short clip or trailer, speculate on what you think the filmmakers’ message might be.

After each clip, discuss what you have observed, and compare your observations with those of other students.

Activity 3: Write – Discuss

As a class, we will discuss what we have learned so far about analyzing a movie, noticing filmmakers’ choices and techniques, and using the Understanding a Movie Tool.

Individually, in your Learning Log, make a list of things you have learned to look for when watching a movie.

Then list questions you still have about how to analyze a movie, and complete the Understanding a Movie Tool.

As a class, discuss what you have written down in your Learning Logs and make sure you are prepared to complete an Understanding a Movie Tool for the movie you watched (or will watch) for the Section Diagnostic.

Activity 4: View – Write

In preparation for the Section Diagnostic, we will finish watching our selected movie for homework and complete a draft of an Understanding a Movie Tool for the movie, which we will review in the next lesson.

For homework, finish watching (or rewatch) the movie you selected for independent viewing.

Complete a draft of your Understanding a Movie Tool for the movie, which you will review and revise in the next lesson.