How to analyse a film: the complete beginners guide

The Five Key Elements of Film Analysis

Film analysis involves noticing deliberate stylistic decisions made by the filmmaker and questioning their contribution to meaning.
The five key elements of film analysis are cinematography, editing, mise-en-scene, performance, and sound.
Cinematography refers to how the film is visually captured, including shot size, camera movement, and framing.
Editing involves the arrangement and manipulation of shots to create meaning and pace.
Mise-en-scene encompasses the overall look of the film, including the setting, props, costumes, and overall aesthetic.
Performance explores how verbal and non-verbal language is used by actors to communicate and convey meaning.
Sound refers to the use of music, sound effects, and dialogue to enhance storytelling and create a specific atmosphere.
Understanding these key elements helps in analyzing how a film communicates its major themes and ideas.

Cinematography encompasses factors such as film format, aspect ratio, color, and lighting.
Editing involves the cutting and assembly of individual shots into scenes and scenes into a film, influencing how we interpret them.
Sound includes diagetic and non-diagetic elements such as music, ambient sound, vocal quality, and sound effects, all contributing to meaning.
Analyzing a film requires background reading to understand the director's motivation and contextual factors.
Watching the film without taking notes in the first screening allows for full attention and immersion.
Analyzing the film can be done holistically by applying the five key areas or by examining key sequences in greater depth.
In the film "Belfast," cinematography is realistic, highlighted by shooting in monochrome.

The film uses wide angle static shots with a full depth of field, giving it a 60s documentary feel.
The performances are naturalistic, with subtle language and physicality to express emotions.
The film primarily follows the perspective of the main character, Buddy, giving a restricted view.
The set design and costumes accurately depict a working-class area of 1960s Belfast.
The editing is slow and seamless, creating a sense of memories from Buddy's childhood.
The soundtrack includes non-diagetic music by Van Morrison and realistic diagetic sounds of street ambience and news excerpts.
The opening sequence showcases modern-day Belfast landmarks and transitions from color to monochrome, symbolizing a vibrant present and a troubled past.
The scene emphasizes the tight-knit community and sense of belonging among neighbors.

The scene depicts a sense of calm and presence through controlled freehand wide shots.
The performance of the entire cast is naturalistic and understated.
The main character, Buddy, is introduced play-fighting dragons with a wooden sword and a dustbin lid, showcasing his youthful and carefree nature.
Buddy's innocence is contrasted with the sudden appearance of armed Protestants, causing genuine confusion and concern.
The use of orbiting mid shots and changing expressions on Buddy's face conveys his growing fear and terror.
The pace of the scene shifts from slow and meandering to rapid and chaotic, creating a sense of panic.