DIRECTOR'S PURPOSE OR INTENTION
Every shot in a movie is planned by the director to influence the mood of the audience or to move the plot along in some way. Have a look at these example shots and descriptions.
In this midshot from the film "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes", the director has set the main actress in a bright pink dress against a background of men. All the men are wearing black and they are all looking at her from different angles. The director planned this shot so that the audience would look at her and see how attractive she is and feel the same way as the men. They would also be drawn to the bright colour she wears and be stunned by her pretty dress and beautiful face. The director is showing the audience that all the men find her attractive.
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This close up shot of John Wayne's face was created so the audience could obtain a glimpse into what John's character was actually thinking. He is closing one eye which means either a) it is late in the day and the sun is shining on him or b) he is suspicious of what someone has said or done. Because he has closed one eye, it makes the audience realise that he is looking to his own memory to speak and doesn't want to believe what he has heard. The close-up shot allows the audience to see that John's character is not at all happy.
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How To Describe Director's Purpose...
When explaining the director's purpose it is important to use one of the following phrases so that you can make it clear what it is you are explaining....
The director wanted us to think...
In framing this shot, the director planned....
The director's purpose in using this type of shot was to.....
The director's intention was....
When the director.....(fill the gap by naming the type of shot of film techniques) s/he was planning for....(describe effect)
The director wanted us to think...
In framing this shot, the director planned....
The director's purpose in using this type of shot was to.....
The director's intention was....
When the director.....(fill the gap by naming the type of shot of film techniques) s/he was planning for....(describe effect)
Useful Example from The Great Gatsby |
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