The arrangement of everything that appears in the framing – actors, lighting, décor, props, costume – is called mise-en-scène, a French term that means “placing on stage.” The frame and camerawork are also considered part of the mise-en-scène of a movie. In cinema, placing on the stage really means placing on the screen, and the director is in charge of deciding what goes where, when, and how. David A. Cook, in his book A History of Narrative Film
Category: <span>Elements</span>
While screenwriters and directors are a movie’s first and second storytellers, editors are the third ones. Since editors are given a limited amount of footage, it may not appear so. Still, through editing techniques, the editor may construct or deconstruct a narrative or documentary and shape it to his or her own will.
What is a Narrative Element?
Man has been telling stories much before he learned to write. Through cave paintings, through epics passed on to generations as an oral tradition, and then subsequently through different forms of the written word, poetry, plays, novels, operas, songs, comic books, photo features, and eventually cinema, the human urge to tell stories has never been satiated, nor has our desire to listen to one. Between all these forms or media of communicating a story, there have been some common elements, and then there have been story elements unique to a certain medium.
If there is something called magic, I would say, it’s right here in movie business. Why?? The prime reason is – You are in your world of imagination. I was not that avid movie watcher until the summer of 2010, when I saw, Good Will Hunting (1997), I just simply fell in love with the movie for its simple message, of hunting yourself within the sea of competition. Ever since, I have followed and watched movies, every single day of my existence so far. Now, I say, we learn many things from movies. Below is my list of life lessons that we learn from Hollywood movie.
Films are a big part of our lives. Movies have always entertained us, whether in cinemas or at home. When the movies are good, you love to see them over and over again. You even think about the characters even after the movie is over. A lot of talent and creativity goes on to making a great movie. Here are the elements of a great movie.
Good characters
Characters are the most important part of storytelling. They are the life of a film. When you watch a film, you need to like some of the characters in the film. You should feel like you can relate to those characters. The central character of the film is very important. If people don’t like the central character, then the movie won’t do well.
Simple plot
A simple plot is enough to win people’s heart. People don’t like an elaborated plot. A plot can make or break your cinema. You shouldn’t over crowd the film with too many characters.
Theme
Your message should be clear. It is what you want the audience to take away from your movie. You should weave the theme into the story. No audience should leave the room with a bad impression about your film.
Attention to details
Details of the movie are very important. It starts from the point the script is being written. The casting, shots, etc. must be considered in detail. The audience will appreciate these details.
Good ending
The ending of a story is crucial to the success of a movie. Films often get ruined for their bad ending. The ending must be put nicely; it must wrap up the story well. Don’t drag the ending too long. It will lose the tune of the movie.
These are the critical elements needed for making a good film. Film making is an art. You need the right knowledge and experience to make a good film. Practice these elements in making your film and one day you will make some great movies!
….and always remember this quote.
“You’re not a star until they can spell your name in Karachi.” –
Humphrey Bogart