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Wednesday, 29 April 2020

Blocking in film (level one film study)

What are the three ways directors use blocking in films: Directors use space, shapes and lines to block a scene. Could be the distance between characters or the distance between the camera and a character. Shapes are used for different feelings and dynamics within a scene. Lines can highlight a particular part of a scene or convey power dynamics.
what are the three basic shapes for film blocking: Three main shapes are used in blocking. These could be found in props, space between characters or actor's faces. Circles are the most inviting, they seem calm and happy. Triangles are harsh, due to the sharp lines and angles. This could be used to portray a scary scene, or something that would have the viewers on the edge of their seats. Squares are used to limit space, and can be used to box characters in, or create a claustrophobic feel.
what are two things blocking can help with: Blocking can help with revealing more about the characters or the film as a whole.

Example:


In this scene of the breakfast club the characters and backgrounds are arranged in a square like formation. This reflects the fact that they are trapped in the library until detention is over. Claire and John are closest to the camera, which shows how they are the characters which have our focus for most of this scene. Alison and Andrew are closer together than any of the other characters, which also reflects the relationship they are building. All of the characters are sitting, their bodies are in a diagonal line, which reflects the vulnerability shown by all of the characters in the scene.

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