The University of Warwick Open Studies Certificate: ‘Introduction to Film and Cinema Studies’; Term 1 “1895-1950: The Birth and Development of Narrative Film"; (30/10/10)
Title: A Shot Analysis from Nosferatu (F.W. Murnau, Germany, 1922): (from DVD Chapter 11: ‘Ellen’ - 00:51:17 to 00:51:25)
Our task was to analyse any shot from any film from which we have studied on the course and discuss the interacting elements of the mise-en-scène within that shot. Not only in how it conveys meaning but also how the interacting elements support thematic development, the atmosphere and expand our understanding of the characters featured.
Though the film belongs to the German Expressionist film movement it does display stylistic, thematic and narrative elements of the earlier art movement, Romanticism. The natural surrounding shows the influence of Romanticism within the diegesis. Both movements’ charcaterise externally subjective emotions. The mise-en-scène in my chosen shot, featured below, reveals a deeper understanding of the character Ellen. Her internal motivations are expressed through the external interacting elements of the mise-en-scène.
Within the analysis I explore how the mise-en-scène reflects Ellen’s awakening sexuality and how symbolism is used in relation to the wider narrative (fabula) and the omnipresent, catalytic, character of Count Orlock (the Nosferatu of the title).
Obviously, I have not included a copy of the analysis as it is a marked piece of academic work. This formative assessment’s deadline was 30th October; I submitted it on the 28th October 2010.
Gibbs, John. 2002. Mise-en-scène: Film Style and Interpretation. Short Cuts. London: Wallflower Press.
Larden, J. 2010. German Expressionsim, [Lecture]. Introduction to Film and Cinema Studies. The University of Warwick. Open Studies Certificate. Stone Hall Adult Education Centre, 1083 Warwick Road, Acocks Green, Birmingham, 2nd October.
Marriott, James. 2004. Horror Films. London: Virgin Books. ‘Chapter 1: The Silent Era – Nosfertau, a Symphony of Horrors (1922)’ pp. 5-15.
Roberts, Ian. 2008. German Expressionism. Short Cuts. London: Wallflower Press.
Filmography
Nosferatu (F.W Murnau, Prana-Film, Germany, 1922)
Though the film belongs to the German Expressionist film movement it does display stylistic, thematic and narrative elements of the earlier art movement, Romanticism. The natural surrounding shows the influence of Romanticism within the diegesis. Both movements’ charcaterise externally subjective emotions. The mise-en-scène in my chosen shot, featured below, reveals a deeper understanding of the character Ellen. Her internal motivations are expressed through the external interacting elements of the mise-en-scène.
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| A screenshot of the analysed shot, Motion is not indicated (includes: the waves and how the wind blows both Ellen's costume and the crucifixes) Murnau, F.W. 2007. ‘Masters of Cinema’: Nosferatu (Definitive Fully-restored version with original score) [DVD]. UK: Eureka Entertainment. |
Obviously, I have not included a copy of the analysis as it is a marked piece of academic work. This formative assessment’s deadline was 30th October; I submitted it on the 28th October 2010.
Bibliography
Bordwell, David., Thompson, Kristin. 2009. Film History: An Introduction. 3rd ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Higher Education. ‘Chapter 5: Germany in the 1920s’ pp. 87-104.
Bordwell, David., Thompson, Kristin. 2009. Film History: An Introduction. 3rd ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Higher Education. ‘Chapter 5: Germany in the 1920s’ pp. 87-104.
Coleclough, S. 2009. German Expressionism, FM4. [Lecture notes] German Expressionism. A2 Film Studies. Stafford College, Media Studies Department, Room T24, September.
Gibbs, John. 2002. Mise-en-scène: Film Style and Interpretation. Short Cuts. London: Wallflower Press.
Larden, J. 2010. German Expressionsim, [Lecture]. Introduction to Film and Cinema Studies. The University of Warwick. Open Studies Certificate. Stone Hall Adult Education Centre, 1083 Warwick Road, Acocks Green, Birmingham, 2nd October.
Marriott, James. 2004. Horror Films. London: Virgin Books. ‘Chapter 1: The Silent Era – Nosfertau, a Symphony of Horrors (1922)’ pp. 5-15.
Roberts, Ian. 2008. German Expressionism. Short Cuts. London: Wallflower Press.
Filmography
Nosferatu (F.W Murnau, Prana-Film, Germany, 1922)
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