For the shot-by-shot analysis, you will look extremely closely at thirteen consecutive seconds of one of theassigned films. The thirteen seconds you choose must include at least three shots. Appropriate and specific film terminology should be used throughout the paper (see textbook chapters on mise-en-scne, cinematography, and editing). This assignment usually takes 3 to 4 pages to complete, but this will depend on the film clip you choose. You may go over the thirteen seconds if the final shot in your clip goes a bit longer. The following outlines the structure of this paper:

Start your shot-by-shot analysis with a paragraph that introduces your film by briefly discussing the most important and pertinent elements of its narrative and thematic focus. You will also explain where your chosen thirteen seconds takes place in the plot and why you think this bit of the film is significant.

Next, you will describe every shot individually, including its mise-en-scne and cinematography. The duration of each shot should be noted using a time code before the paragraph describing that shot (e.g. 1:02:26 1:02:29, see sample paper). Every time there is a cut to a new shot, the type of transition should be described at the start of the description of the new shot; for instance, There is a simple cut from the previous shot to this extreme close-up of Sarahs face. (If there is a lap dissolve, this should be noted in the descriptions of the each of the overlapping shots.) In each paragraph describing a shot, you will also analyze the meaning of that shot. Consider these questions: How are the choices made in this shot meaningful in the film? Does the mise-en-scne, the camera movement, the order of the shots (collage), the editing, and/or the sound (dialogue, music, sound effects) reflect or help express a tone, theme, character, or element of plot? Following your shot descriptions, there will be a concluding paragraph that sums up how these thirteen seconds of the film express significant themes, motifs, plot points, tone, characterization, etc., in the film. Finally, you will need a works cited page including a correct citation entry for the film (see weblinks on MLA format or the PowerPoint on this).

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