FILM FORM ANALYSIS : ' One Week' 'The Scarecrow' 1920 ' The High Sign' 1921 'Cops' 1922

            One week

                                                             The Scarecrow

The High Sign

Cops

Analyse how all four short films 

demonstrate how Keaton uses film form , including how he follows or subverts conventions of silent comedy. You should focus on the following

Cinematography 

Use and purpose of framing and camera shots such as closeups, mid shots and long shots

Use of and purpose of lighting

Any shots which break the fourth wall  or cartoon gags

Editing

How often Keaton uses cuts or other transitions and why

Any other devices that give  the films narrative structure e.g title cards

Mise -en-scene

How the settings , props ( including animals)  and costume are used in the narrative and any stunts or routines

Performance

Use of body language , facial expression and how size of  actors are used within the frame , such as for contrast.

Keaton's use of his various star personae ( romantic suitor ,everyman or outsider clown)

Contexts and representations

Any links to how Keaton comments on social norms such as marriage  and gender stereotypes, how men and women are represented , links to any cultural or art  movements , representation of police and family.

  

PAPER 2C SILENT FILM MOVEMENTS Silent Comedy

Summarise the main conventions and use  of film form   and key figures of the silent comedy film movement , plus key information such as a timeline of silent film which mentions at least two other movements such as German expressionism . This post on the Silent Cinema blog page may help.

  We will be looking at the key texts  (4 of Buster Keaton's  short films) and his use of star persona next.