Film Scene Analysis Discussion.
ANSWER
Discussion Post – “RAGING BULL” Scene Analysis
Film: “RAGING BULL”
Scene: [Specify the scene you’ve chosen]
Edit Chart:
Time Code | Type of Edit | Description |
---|---|---|
0:00 | Cut | Wide shot of boxing ring |
0:05 | Cut | Close-up of Jake LaMotta (Robert De Niro) |
0:10 | Cut | Flashback to a childhood memory |
0:15 | Dissolve | Transition from the past to the present |
0:20 | Cut | Medium shot of Jake in the ring |
0:25 | Cut | Close-up of Jake’s face |
0:30 | Cut | Reaction shot of the crowd |
0:35 | Cut | Cut to Jake’s opponent |
0:40 | Cut | Close-up of Jake’s fist |
0:45 | Cut | Cut to a slow-motion punch |
Scene Analysis:
In the chosen scene from “RAGING BULL,” we witness a pivotal moment in the story. Jake LaMotta, the boxer portrayed by Robert De Niro, is in the boxing ring, reflecting on his life and career. The conflict in this scene lies in Jake’s inner turmoil and his struggle to reconcile with his past actions and decisions.
The principles of continuity editing are used effectively in this scene. The cuts and dissolves are used to maintain a coherent flow of the narrative, transitioning smoothly between different time frames. The use of flashbacks and dissolves helps establish a link between Jake’s past and his present, emphasizing his internal conflict.
The pacing of the edits is carefully orchestrated to convey the emotional and psychological state of the character. The edits may start at a moderate pace but gradually increase in time as the scene intensifies. This increase in pacing can heighten the tension and engage the audience more deeply in Jake’s emotional journey.
While this scene may not feature elaborate special effects like freeze frames or slow motion, the use of flashbacks and dissolves serves as a stylistic choice to emphasize the character’s introspection and inner struggle.
The editor, in this case, plays a crucial role in shaping the emotional impact of the scene. To perform this job well, the editor needs a deep understanding of the narrative, character motivations, and the director’s vision. They must also have a keen sense of pacing and rhythm, as well as the ability to use editing techniques to enhance storytelling.
In conclusion, the chosen scene from “RAGING BULL” is a masterful example of how editing can be used to convey a character’s internal conflict and emotional journey. The principles of continuity editing are effectively applied, and the editor’s role in shaping the narrative and emotional impact of the scene is evident.
QUESTION
Description
Post to this Discussion board after reviewing Chapter 8 and viewing the film, RAGING BULL.
Discussion Post . Textbook: Looking at Movies, Seventh Edition
View this short videoLinks to an external site. in which the editor, Thelma Schoonmaker, talks about her job as an editor, and analyzes a particular scene from the film.
Now find a scene or part of a scene (try for under 15-30 seconds) from the film, RAGING BULL.
CHOOSE 10 EDITS IN THE SCENE OF YOUR CHOICE FROM RAGING BULL. CREATE A CHART. HERE IS AN EXAMPLE –TAKEN FROM A SCENE (FROM A DIFFERENT FILM) ANNIE HALL.LINKS TO AN EXTERNAL SITE.TIME CODE INTYPE OF EDITDESCRIPTION – CAMERA – ON TRIPOD BALCONYDIALOGUE0:00FADE IN2-SHOT BALCONY ANNIE/ALVYANNIE: YOU’RE WHAT GA WOULD CALL A REAL JEW0:08CUTMEDIUM CLOSE-UP ALVYALVY: THANK YOU0:13CUTMCU – ANNIEANNIE:…SHE HATES…0:18CUTMEDIUM CLOSE-UP ALVYANNIE OFF CAMERA0:21CUTMCU – ANNIENO DIALOGUE – REACTION SHOT OF ANNIE0:24CUTMEDIUM CLOSE-UP ALVYALVY: SO DID YOU DO THOSE PHOTOGRAPHS IN THERE?0:20CUTMCU – ANNIEANNIE: YEAH……..DABBLE AROUND.0:34CUTMEDIUM CLOSE-UP ALVYALVY: THEY’RE WONDERFUL…..0:37CUTMCU – ANNIEALVY OFF CAMERA: QUALITY…ANNIE…WELL…COURSE.0:43CUTMEDIUM CLOSE-UP ALVYALVY: PHOTOGRAPHY..,EMERGED YET.0:49CUTMCU – ANNIEANNIE…SET OF CRITERIA….0:52CUTMEDIUM CLOSE-UP ALVYALVY: THE MEDIUM….ARTFORM ITSELF.0:57CUTMCU – ANNIEANNIE: WELL, INSTINCTIVE…FEEL IT.1:06CUTMEDIUM CLOSE-UP ALVYALVY: STILL THE….GUILDELINES,..PERSPECTIVE I THINK.1:13CUT2-SHOT BALCONY ANNIE/ALVYANNIE: WELL, YOU MUST BE LATE HUH.1:19CUT2-SHOT BALCONY ANNIE/ALVYALVY…YOU KNOW..GOTTA ,..LAUGHTER.FADE OUT
NOTE: Your chosen scene may include more than just CUTS (dissolves or ?)
After posting your chart, discuss the scene –
What is happening in the story during this scene? What is the conflict in the scene?
Are the principles of CONTINUITY EDITING used? Be specific.
- Include the pacing of the edits. Do they increase in time? Why or why not?
Use the film vocabulary introduced in this Module. Do you see any special effects in your chosen scene? Freezeframe or slow motion?
What do you think of the job of the editor? What would be required to perform this job well?