GUIDELINES FOR WRITING A SHOT ANALYSIS

1.)     Select a scene carefully.

a.)    Watch the film multiple times, looking for a scene with about 10-12 shots.

b.)    Choose a scene that has few enough characters that you can keep track of them within your analysis (2-5 characters usually, though it will depend on the scene).

2.)     Take notes on each individual shot.

a.)    You can label them by numbers or letters, if this helps you keep them straight.

b.)    Take down lighting, mise en scene, framing, costumes, camera angles, camera movement, camera position, and any other relevant details.

3.)     Information to Include on Your Title Page

a.)    Movie Title, aspect ratio, relevant credits (director, actors in the scene, producer, writer, cinematographer, costume designer, etc.)

b.)    Anything you reference in your analysis, put in the credits of the film—for example: if you discuss sound, credit the sound designer

c.)    Website you can find all the relevant information on:  www.imdb.com

4.)     Formulate a thesis about how the scene reflects the film as a whole.

a.)    Example:  Through expert cinematic techniques, Murnau contrasts Nosferatu’s power with Jonathan’s weakness, foreshadowing his eventual dominance within the film.

b.)    A concrete thesis can address what the director tries to accomplish in the scene.

c.)    Thesis should be clearly understandable and recognizable

d.)    Thesis should use formal elements of the film in reference to content of the scene

5.)     After an introduction, begin the essay by placing your scene in the context of the film and describing the environment.

a.)    Example:  The scene takes place amid the hustle and bustle of a newspaper office

6.)     Begin a detailed shot by shot description of the scene.

a.)    You can use “Cut to” whenever there is a cut, or else “The next shot.”

b.)    If it helps, watch the scene without sound and take down exactly what happens.

c.)    Example: The camera reframes to keep them central, panning left.  Cut to a tight three shot of Bruce, Walter and Hildy all facing away from the camera

7.)     Once the description is over, begin a detailed analysis of the shots.

a.)    Do not forget to connect the shots to each other, and to the film’s meaning as a whole.

b.)    Use only the shots as evidence (no outside sources!)

c.)    Your shot description must include all information pertinent to your thesis

d.)    Example: They disappear into the shadow filled darkness of Nosferatu’s archway, and by moving away from the camera they literally fade into the world of phantoms.  Murnau employs empowering framing and camera angles to display how Nosferatu effectively controls his world

8.)     Conclusion: Wrap up your points and relate back to your thesis and the film as a whole

9.)     NOTE:  Always ask your professor what they want in a shot analysis—these are only guidelines to help get you started and answer common questions