Formalist film theory presentation

1. Formalist Film Theory By Thomas McWatters , Melissa Lim, Dan Wargo , Gus Camaraza , Rocco Rygiel

2. Origin This theory says that Film is indeed art and not reproduction of reality . Unlike realist theorists, formalist film theorists believe that the art of cinema is possible precisely because a movie is unlike everyday life…

3. Origin Cont. Formalist film makers shape and mold the images we see on the screen the way a sculptor shapes and molds clay. Their approach to film emphasizes their ability to create story and emotion through manipulation.

4. DIFFERENT VIEWS UNDER FORMALISM NEO-REALISM ANTI- REALISM REALISM AVANT GARDE

5. Ideological Formalism Two Examples related to Formalism: Classical Hollywood cinema Film Noir Focus on how socio-economic pressures create particular style How it communicates ideas, emotions, themes

6. Classical Hollywood Cinema Distinct style – create closed world on screen Make experience as pleasant as possible; Audience gets involved

7. Institutional mode of representation Dominant mode of film construction Production, production, production! Audience imaginatively involved in film – identify with what’s on camera 3 D space created; Presented with clear pieces of info Characters psychologically developed and distinguished – close-ups, acting Narrative driven by character psychology Continuity editing, three-point lighting, “mood” music

8. Film Noir Founded by Nino Frank in 1946 Categorized as “Melodramas” Moved toward “Crime” genre Shot in Urban Environments The main character is “flawed” or “morally questionable”

9. Popular Movies 1941- The Maltese Falcon 1944- Double Indemnity 1946- The Big Sleep 2000- Memento 2005- Sin City

10. Formalist Theory/Auteur Created to redeem the art of film. By arguing that films had authors, films could be considered works of art like Paintings Literature Music

11. Formalist Theory Continued This theory would give the Director the bulk of the credit and not the screenwriter. Directors are now at the same level of importance as novelist, composers & painters. They get recognition for their craft. Film is said to lye somewhere between theatre and literature.