Nt1310 Lab 1

Lab Questions:

1. Filmmakers must often establish information quickly in a film in order to give the audience context for the plot. In this film, the filmmaker establishes information about several of the main characters, including Lina and Don. What information do we as the audience learn about Don and Lina from time code 01:35 to 04:00 of the film? How does the filmmaker give us this information? Discuss at least two different ways that the filmmaker gives the audience information about these characters.

In the beginning of the film as an audience the first piece of information we receive is that Lina and Don are huge Hollywood movie stars. Don and Lina also appear to be the hottest couple to hit the red carpet. We receive this information

through the announcer at the movie premiere and through their fans screaming wonderfully things to them.

2. In the scene where we see Don and Lina acting in a silent film (beginning at time code 11:05), describe the silent film. How is it different from the films that are produced today?

The silent film appears to be set in the medieval time period considering the actors clothing and housing. The film features a man and woman who seem to be madly in love with each other. All of a sudden, the villains appear which causes the man to become angry. A fight breaks out and of course good wins every time. This film is extremely different from films produced today considering the silent film was in black and white. Today’s movies are also a lot longer in time and it is very common for actors to speak in films.

3. This first part of the film shows the early history of motion pictures. How accurate do you think the portrayal of the early motion picture industry is? Why? Is historical accuracy important in films and theater productions? Explain.

In this film I feel this the portrayal of the early motion picture industry was pretty accurate, but of course very dramatic and cheesy. My personal opinion is that of course historical accuracy is very important in films for the reason that the director is telling a story that happened. I feel if you want someone to honestly enjoy a historical movie it has to be accurate.

4. In the scene where Don is going to the party (starting at time code 14:51), we see a street scene as he first rides with Cosmo and then with Kathy. What aspects did the filmmaker include to make the scene look and feel like Don, Cosmo, and Kathy are riding in a car on a street? Think about elements such as scenery, sound, props, lighting, and so on.

In the scene where Cosmo, Don, and Kathy are driving the filmmakers used moving automobiles, which helped a ton with accuracy.

The filmmakers also used streetlights, buildings, people in cars and walking around on the sidewalks. Where Don and Kathy are driving the filmmakers used a backdrop and made the car turn left and right.

5. A "talkie" picture is shown starting around time code 21:15. How does the audience in the film react to the "talkie"? What influence do audiences have on film and theater performances? How do film and theater actors influence audiences?

The audience does not really understand what is happening and think the “talkie” is completely untrue. After, the film ends people start saying ‘talkie” idea will never be successful and that it is just a waste of time. The audience has a huge influence on a film considering they are the ones watching and paying to see the film. Film and theater actors influences the audience because fans might want to act or dress like the actor.

6. In the musical scene with Cosmo (starting at time code 27:00), how does the actor use props? What is the result? Do you think the use of props effectively fulfilled the artistic vision for this musical number? Why or why

not?

Cosmo uses a various amount of props to help get his point across to Don. He runs into walls and falls over couches. Cosmo used a hat to changed the character from a lady to man. Also a dummy was used to fight with Cosmo and of course the dummy won. Props fulfill the artistic vision considering they allow the audience to actually see what the actor is trying to say or do.