[Waterfront] Incorporating film techniques into a piece?

[Base]

Well I've been told that good essays usually involve a lot of analysis of film techniques, and I've been having trouble finding ways of including them in my piece. Especially for prompts that don't specifically ask for it ( "how does the film maker show..." ).

For example with the prompt "How important is family loyalty in the film?".

I've got some ideas for it, however I have no idea how to start talking about film techniques for it. Any suggestions? Also is it absolutely necessary to talk about film techniques?

[Water]

Hi Base,
            In particular scenes, you can concentrate on the facial expression, their movements, the lightings, and the camera movements to prove a point of a character's particular emotions, personality, or expression to another character or situation. If it is a scene that captures a character-to-character scenario then show how the film techniques convey a particular emotion, which links to the message that is being conveyed overall. I hope this helps, if you have further questions, feel free to post again!

[VivaTequila]

I always tell my students to discuss how the specific staging compliments the message being delivered by the film.

In every scene, the characters will be doing stuff. Your job is to interpret how the stuff that they're doing is supposed to mean that (for example in this scenario) family loyalty is important. There's an implied meaning that the film is asking you to understand - and most of the time, everybody pretty much sees it the same way.

What you then go and do is just look at those individual scenes and observe how the acting, staging directions, costume, and makeup are complimenting that message being delivered. It's a subtle art but it's not difficult after some more practice.

The more you practise, the better.

[Yendall]

Is it possible to still achieve a high score without using film techniques? I've written drafts that have been marked quite highly by my English teacher, and I don't mention film techniques all that much. I occasionally mention how the scene and stage direction exemplifies a certain concept, but I never really go into complete detail. I recently submitted a draft for On The Waterfront and got 9.5 from my teacher, but didn't explain direction but rather why the scene was important. Is this okay to do? Or will VCAA be very harsh if you don't mention Kazan's techniques in detail?

[yearningforsimplicity]

Heyy I know what you mean, initially I also found it hard when it came to incorporating film techniques into my essay but it's really not that bad once you do a few essays It is definitely important to incorporate film techniques into your essay if you're writing on OTW mainly because it's a film so sound effects/music/props/costumes/camera angles/lighting/shadows/interplay of black and white all have some kind of effect and will be used as evidence to support your argument (in conjunction with your traditional quotes or dialogue that the characters engage in).

I usually just went about incorporating film techniques by using sentences or phrases like (examples):

This notion is exemplified through Kazan's use of high angle shots which diminish the bla bla, thereby showing them to be insignificant and even looked down upon....

The concept of family loyalty is reinforced by Kazan through his glorification of Edie's determination to find out "who killed [Joey]". This is evidenced through Kazan's employment of low-angle camera shots which show Edie as being significant for her upholding of justice and loyalty to her brother. Further, Kazan's use of light also exemplifies his praise of Edie's family loyalty and Edie is often seen to be almost radiating light in the otherwise dark and dreary waterfront.

Kazan's employment of fast-paced and almost industrial-toned music reflects the brutality of the waterfront...

The recurring sound effect of the ship horn indicates that the waterfront is always in the backdrop of the longshoremens lives, reflecting their inability to move forward or detach themselves from the oppression to which they are subjected.

Good Luck for your exam!!

[Base]

Ohh ok thanks for all the help.  Makes sense now 

[Toto.]

Here are a couple of examples that I used in my OTW SAC.
The question was: "There's one thing we have in this country, and that's ways of fighting back". How does OTW explore the power of the individual?

Kazan depicts Charley's sacrifice as a "crucifixion", with his arms and legs stretched out like a cross - similar to Christ.

Kazan depicts her as an innocent young woman; her conservative clothing, her education in a convent school, and her glow in an otherwise dark city of Hoboken all serve to reinforce Edie's role as the angelic force who fights for her morals.

The director paints Father Barry as a noble character when he bravely continues to stand tall even whilst objects are being hurled towards him as he makes his passionate sermon. The set-up of the scene also enhances this image: Friendly's gang are situated top like "hawks" ready to swoop on Father Barry.

I ended up with a full score on that essay, so I hope this helps