Cinematography

Film Analysis Worksheet: Do the Right Thing

November 29, 2022

Do the Right Thing (1989) - IMDb
Source – https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097216/mediaviewer/rm1999686656?ref_=ttmi_mi_all_sf_5

Summary

  • IN ONE TO TWO SENTENCES, DESCRIBE WHAT FILM YOU ANALYZED FOR THIS PROJECT AND WHY YOU CHOSE IT
  • DELETE ALL OF MR. LE DUC’s ALL UPPERCASE INSTRUCTIONS ABOVE

Film Analysis

Film TitlePLACE YOUR RESPONSES IN THIS COLUMN (DELETE THIS MESSAGE BEFORE YOU WRITE)
Year1989
DirectorSpike Lee
CountryUSA, Brooklyn
GenreComedy/Drama/Comedy Drama
If you could work on this film (change it), what would you change and why?

Film information at imdb.com

As you view films, consider how the cuts, camera angles, shots, and movement work to create particular meanings. Think about how they establish space, privilege certain characters, suggest relationships, and emphasize themes. In addition to shot distances, angles, editing, and camera movement, note details of the narrative, setting, characters, lighting, props, costume, tone, and sound.

Ask yourself the following questions:

TOPICYOUR NOTES
1. Who is the protagonist?
2. Who is the antagonist?
3. What is the conflict?
4. What is the theme or central, unifying concept? (summarize in one or two words)
5. How is the story told (linear, non-linear, with flashbacks, flash-forwards, at regular intervals)
6. What “happens” in the plot (Brief description)?
7. How does the film influence particular reactions on the part of viewers (sound, editing,
characterization, camera movement, etc.)? Why does the film encourage such
reactions?
8. Is the setting realistic or stylized? What atmosphere does the setting suggest? Do particular objects or settings serve symbolic functions?
9. How are the characters costumed and made-up? What does their clothing or makeup reveal about their social standing, ethnicity, nationality, gender, or age? How do costume and makeup convey character?
10. How does the lighting design shape our perception of character, space, or mood?
11. How do camera angles and camera movements shape our view of characters or spaces? What do you see cinematically?
12. What is the music’s purpose in the film? How does it direct our attention within the image? How does it shape our interpretation of the image? What stands out about the music?
13. How might industrial, social, and economic factors have influenced the film? Describe how this film influences or connects to a culture?
14. Give an example of what a film critic had to say about this film. Use credible sources and cite sources.Example: “The Shawshank Redemption Movie Review (1994) | Roger Ebert.” All Content. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 June 2015.
15. Select one scene no longer than 5 minutes that represents well the whole film and shows relevant cinematic elements. Write a one-sentence description of the scene and record the time of the scene.Example: from 1:05:00 to 1:10:00.Explain why you chose this scene.PLACE THE TIME STAMP FROM THE SCENE HERE… Example: 00:00:00 – 00:05:00 
16. In the selected scene: write a sentence for each of the elements below to justify why this scene best represents the film:
a. Screenwriting:conflict – anger from sal.
Vulgar language
talk about money
back and forth bickering
In juxtaposed situation, Sal’s violent diction, and Mookie’s diction is more peaceful or calm. This could relate to the MLK quote and the Malcolm X quote.
when going to wide shot, the conversation is more regular/
b. Sound Design:Sal louder dialogue/Mookie softer dialogue
glass/trash can when Sal is taking money out/throwing the money at Mookie.
crinkling of money
saxophone
classical at end of the conversation
the radio guy during the wide shot
c. Camera Movements/Angles:Mookie – street
Sal – the backdrop of his burnt shop
Mookie – lighter setup
sal – darker backdrop
back and forth
shot from below shows two sides, sal on right and Mookie on the left this happens when the conflict starts to resolve. Maybe do this so it represents they are now seeing eye to eye. and during the heated part of the argument, the cuts back and forth the characters are isolated so this shows the opposition/their separate views
wide-shot/zoom out of Mookie walking in street. maybe to have the audience have a moment of reflection.
Both character point toward the destroyed shop
the camera seems handheld – showing a more “real-life” feel. Sal gestured to the street
see the trashcan
smoke
near the end, Mookie points away
close up of Mookie picking up the money
Mookie waling away looking down at the money
he walks to the right and then straight down the street
The street shot shows that life goes on.
– mise en scene – Behind Sal, there is a mural that shows multiculturalism.
Mise en scene – the trash can
d. Light Setup:Mookie is a light background – Sal is a darker backdrop at beginning of the argument.
e. Soundtrack/Score:When they are arguing, the music is like jazz. When the conflict is resolved it is more classical, flowing music.
18. What’s the socio-cultural context of this film?

This worksheet was developed with ideas from many IB Film teachers, thus should remain in the Creative Commons

Mr. Le Duc’s Film Analysis Resources

0 comments