These elements must work together in order to establish a film that has a form and a substance. One cannot work well without the other. It’s like a basketball team. You have the center player, power forward, small forward, shooting guard, and point guard. Without the center player, the team would have a hard time in getting the rebounds and that will stop them from getting second-chance points. The absence of the power forward on the other hand, will stop the team from scoring within the shaded area of the court. Then again, the team wouldn’t be able to establish a three-point shoot out in the perimeter area if the small forward is not around. The shooting guard is responsible for ball handling and obtaining points, without him, the team would definitely have a handicap. And of course, without the point guard, the so-called “play maker”, the team will be highly disorganized and frenzied. In basket ball, to end up with a triumphant game, each of the members of the team must play their roles.

It is the same in film making.

In order to capture the attention of the viewers, the “production team” must make the elements of cinema work in accordance to each other. Each element must be given a proper amount of attention for the reason that the success of the film will depend on how they were manipulated and put into use. Each of the elements portrays a significant part in the film. The camera is responsible in drawing the attention into the characters. The Mise-en-scene is accountable to the overall design that we see in the frame. The amplification of emotions and meaning of the film relies on sound design. The narrative serves as the base of the film. And last but not the least, the editing which is responsible in separating the badly made shots to the good ones. The collaborative work of the elements will yield to a film that effectively brings its message to the viewers.

I think… the appropriate sentence or phrase that best expresses the connection of movies with the elements of cinema will be…

“You complete me…”


Okay, so I think that I’m not making any sense here. I apologize for this very lousy post. I can’t seem to compose something that corresponds to my “actual” thoughts about the elements of the film. I’m really sorry to Ms. Jewel and to the regular readers of my blog entries!!!

Anyway...

Back then, before I had art appreciation, I only recognize the narrative, dialogue, and the background music of the movies that I watched. I didn’t pay close attention to the camera positions, angles and the production design. Now, I realize that these elements support one another. They make the scenes more realistic. The harmony of the elements further help the viewers identify with what’s happening in the scene. They make the spectators be “in-touch” with the emotions that are conveyed in each shot. These elements are held responsible for the success of the film.

I salute all the people behind these elements (cinematographer, director, scriptwriter, art producer, editor, and casting directors). I now realize that their job is way beyond easy. After knowing all these, I now appreciate the hard work and effort that they give in order to satisfy the movie aficionados like me. :)