Mimetic Elements of Film

Reasons why we watch films (Psychology of watching films)
1.To appreciate
2.To know/to learn, to explore
3.To suspend our disbelief
quid pro quo – audience tacitly agrees to provisionally suspend their judgment in exchange for the promise of entertainment
4. To be aware of the universality of human experience

Why do we enjoy watching movies?

We experience something extreme
that we don’t experience in real
life.

Mimetic Elements of Film

I. Plot/ Story

Story Arc in Films
Initial situation
Conflict/problem
Climax
Denouement
Conclusion

Is it a character – oriented movie?
Is it a plot – oriented movie?
Is there surprise or suspense?

II. Character

Driven characters:
1. protagonist
2. antagonist
3. guardian

Passenger characters:
1.Reason
2.Sidekick

•Are the characters believable?
•Is the choice of actor/actress fitted to the character?

III. Setting
- provides the main backdrop, texture, or mood of the film

Is the setting appropriate?

IV. Theme

- Broad idea /message/lesson conveyed by the film
- About life, society, or human nature
- Usually implied rather than stated

•What does the film suggest?

V. Style
- Personal touch of the director
- Less visible to amateur viewers

•What does the director personally convey?

VI. Sex and Music

Sex – savior of borderline case movies
- usually inserted if there are boring/
dull scenes
Music – mortar that fills in the cracks
- sometimes used as a location

•Why are there sex scenes in the film?/Why are there no sex scenes in the film?
•How is the music used in the film?