Lord Flores' List of Great Movie Qualities
1. Narrative
Well I know i'm a sucker for those kind of movies with the plot line that just makes you go "woaaaaah" the minute something so intricate clicks in your brain. I mean the 5-act structure makes for a good movie, but a great one can manipulate that structure in a way, revealing things at the right moment to make your brain explode in the best way possible. Even a simple twist at the very end that makes you rethink the entire movie is what gets me going. I know I've seen this like 5 times already and we went over this in class, but The Piano Tuner is a perfect example of a well-thought narrative, as the beginning creates a multitude of questions that get answered in the end.
2. Sound Design
3. Lighting
I wouldn't say that lighting necessarily makes or breaks a film, but when it's incorporated correctly and well-executed, it adds just enough to make me really notice the beauty of a shot. However incorrect lighting such as overexposure and unintentional silhouetting pretty much kills it for me. The educated film student in me is forced to comment on each shot that is just butchered by horrible lighting. Not to self-advertise here, but my last short film "Truth Be Told" had one of its primary focuses on lighting and shadows to establish a mysterious, serious tone. True, it does have its "unglorious" moments when it comes to lighting, but then again we had practically one light to work with, so I would say we did pretty well given our restrictions.
I enjoy the usage of descriptive language in your categories, it gives it a much more emotional tone and adds to what you're trying to say. I disagree with your idea that lighting is one of the major categories determining what makes a great film, however. There could have been a wider scope of categories, rather than just talking about how the film is produced.
ReplyDeleteBut I LOVE your eyes.
I really enjoyed how you commented on the sound design of the film as an important aspect of a good film. I, also, thoroughly enjoy a great soundtrack, especially the Django Unchained soundtrack coincidentally enough. The piece about lighting (even though Truth be Told ugh) also hit me because lighting can truly make or break a film, conveying emotion in a way completely different than camerawork or narrative. overall, good job!
ReplyDeleteI really like your take on narrative. I also feel that narrative is the most important aspect in a great film. I never thought about the sound design in Django and I noticed it quite well in the example that you posted. Good job yo!
ReplyDeleteHey Gino! I loved this post! I had read a couple and I was slightly sad that everyone was posting the same obvious categories. When I read your post especially around lighting, I was very pleased at your explanation of its importance. I LOVED the lighting in "Truth Be Told" that reveal with Alex as he removes the blindfold from Nathan was my favorite shot within the film. I am also a sucker for those twist endings, after watching the "Sixth Sense" I have enjoyed those films that have been fooling you of the real outcome. I also agree that sound is key for creating a mood within a scene or film as a whole. What I would suggest instead of just posting youtube links, but also screen shots as well. That way the reader immediately knows at what point of the attached clip is the point you are referencing!
ReplyDeleteGino I love the examples you use, they are perfect evidence in supporting your ideas. I love how you mentioned films that go beyond to not just follow the 5 act structure but to alter it in their own way to make our “brain explode” and that is truly the best way to put it. You used the best example of the “Piano Tuner” because it is so well developed in every aspect especially in storyline. I also agree that sound design both effects and soundtrack is important especially in aiding with mood in the film and what is trying to be emphasized in that given scene.Lastly I completely agree with your narration on lighting, that it won’t necessarily kill a film, but is still really significant and helps in portrayal of every scene. This is something that is very obvious in your film, “Truth Be Told”. Throughout the interrogation lighting remains dark and shadows cast on each character, this gives mysterious and frightening shots, making the audience want more to be revealed. I absolutely love how much attention you gave on lighting and it certainly paid off. Scenes remain serious and exciting till the very end of the film.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading what you wrote on music in a film and can say I 100% agree with it. The music or score within a film is very essential to different types of scenes whether the mood is happy, sad, suspenseful, scary and so on. I always find myself getting absorbed into a movie with a great soundtrack that sets the mood and puts me on the edge of my seat. Your example of Tarantino’s Django Unchained was great. All the western soundtracks were flawless for this film and complemented each scene perfectly. Overall, great job.
ReplyDeleteGood job Gino! I definitely agree with you when you talked about the narrative structure of a film and how it can be manipulated to fit a certain type of film. I also loved how you talked about sound design and its importance too. In the trailer you posted, I like how realistic the sound of the whip and fight scene at the end of the film were. The filmmakers obviously spent a ton of money on the sound design but it really is crucial in enticing the audience by giving it a sense of realism.
ReplyDeleteI believe that twists do make you re think the movie and that is good because it is a way to check if you were listening to the story. Also the sound track of movies can either be really good or bad. This is because it either builds up a certain moment or doesn't help at all.
ReplyDeleteI believe that twists do make you re think the movie and that is good because it is a way to check if you were listening to the story. Also the sound track of movies can either be really good or bad. This is because it either builds up a certain moment or doesn't help at all.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the self plug of your recent short film, and I agree with the choices you made for this assignment. I also like the film choices you made I enjoyed all of those movies. GG GF.
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