Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Film Script Writing; Film Noir & The Maltese Falcon

The Elements of Film Noir (documentary)

Please take a look at the clip above and watch the Orson Welles Citizen Kane blog post and links (see posts below) this morning or as homework by next class. During period 1, please work on your script project.

Use your treatment (this should already be written). Open the same file.
In script format, add details, dialogue, description, camera work, etc. that you think would be important to include to tell your story in a creative way. Refer to the handouts about how to format your script. You can also check here for more info.

During period 2, we'll go next door to begin our screening of the film noir classic film: The Maltese Falcon. Here are a few things to watch for as we screen The Maltese Falcon:

1. A protagonist that is cynical or detached
2. A femme fatale who leads the protagonist astray
3. A mystery, crime, or use of suspense
4. A naive scapegoat to take the rap of some "crime"
5. Goons (hired criminals who give the protagonist a hard time)
6. Razor sharp dialogue
7. Reference and description of low key lighting

The Maltese Falcon, directed and written for the screen by John Huston
Based on the novel by Dashiell Hammett
Other film noir films of the 1940's:
The Third Man 
The Big Sleep
Double Indemnity (full film)
Casablanca

Now a little technique and advice about making films:
HOMEWORK: Please continue writing your film script. The script is due May 5. Complete as much homework as needed to meet this deadline. If you have not yet done so, watch and take notes on the Citizen Kane clips below (and read the handout given to you before break on Orson Welles). 

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