Although we are only about half-way through the term, and already, this course has allowed me to appreciate film in so many different ways.  I love how I am constantly learning new things and being exposed to films that I never would have watched otherwise.  Something more recent from the course material that I have found extremely interesting, and has forever changed the way I watch films, is the different types of camera movements and their effects.  Before this class, I never realized how important and strategic camera movements can really be.  Camera movement has the power to exponentially change the way that a spectator sees, feels, and experiences a scene.   For example, while doing the film analysis on the rubble sequence of the Naples Episode of the film Paisa, in the fourth shot of the scene, I studied the type of camera movement, how it works, and what its function is.  The two techniques that are used in this specific shot are tracking and panning.  As the camera tracks the character, Joe, it pans from right to left through the surroundings of the scene as he drunkenly walks towards pascal. This was such a simple movement, yet it caused me to feel much more connected to the film for many reasons.  It felt as if I was moving with the Joe, rather than just watching him move.  In addition, panning allows the viewer to see more of the scene itself as the camera moves and revealed more of the destroyed building that the character is walking alongside/towards.

Types of camera movements and their directions – Film Terminology handout.

The reason that this shot stuck out to me so much was that this was also the only time in this scene that the viewers got to see much more of the surroundings and how destroyed the entire landscape was.  I remember being shocked and slightly thrown off by the amount of rubble and ruin.  It really opened my eyes to the degree of how much Italy’s landscape was negatively affected by the war.  Most of the other shots are close-ups or medium shots so the viewer does not get to see much else other than the actors.  This camera movement was so simple, subtle, and is probably used very frequently and in many different ways throughout films.  I have probably seen this type of camera movement 1000 times during different films I have watched in my lifetime, however, it was not until this class that I realized the true effect it has and various purposes it can serve. Learning about these different types of camera movements has helped me to appreciate films more and forever changed the way that I watch them. Now, when I do recognize specific types of camera movements like tracking, panning, tilting, or craning (as pictured), I will view the scene in a different way and probably try to pick out why the filmmaker chose to shoot certain shots the way they did.  I had no idea that so much thought and hard work goes into shooting each scene and every little camera movement.  Overall, this experience has caused me to think more analytically about films and appreciate them in ways I never have before.

Going into this class, I had truly no idea what to expect, as I have never studied anything related to film or Italy.  Yet as the term progressed, I found myself enjoying the course content more and more.  However, the first film we watched, Cinema Paradiso, remains my favorite.  I loved this film for many, many reasons including its portrayal of the importance of film to many Italians, its outstanding character development, and the sense of nostalgia it generates.  One of the most memorable things that I took away from this film was how different the experience of going to the cinema was in Italy compared to that of America.  In the film, it’s almost like a community event as everyone is excited, socializing, and all ages are completely invested in whatever is on the screen.  It seemed to be the most exciting part of everyone’s day, and like it gave people something to look forward to.  Cinema Paradiso also illustrated the importance of film to these small towns in Italy when it showed the devastating scene of the fire burning down the building, with the beloved Alfredo inside.  I will never forget how this scene made me feel so panicked and distressed for little Toto.  This is when I realized how quickly I became attached to the characters in the film. I will admit that I was hesitant about this film at the start because it was my first Italian Film and it was much older than anything I have ever seen.  However, it was the bond between Alfredo and Toto that sold me. The relationship between Alfredo and Toto was confusing to me at first, but I quickly realized it was a bond similar to that of a father and son.  A relationship that we all aspire to have and get lucky if we can experience once in our lifetime. This was such a special bond that could be felt through the screen and generated strong emotions within me.  It made me feel a sense of nostalgia as I thought about when I was Toto’s age and my relationship with my father at the time.  He has always been my mentor and this film made me realize that when he is hard on me, as Alfredo is to Toto, it is out of love as he wants nothing but the best for me.  My father reminds me very much of Alfredo, as has is also incredibly dedicated to his work.  In addition, some of the happiest times I have seen my dad are when he gets to ‘show me the ropes’ of his business or something else he is passionate about and then we get to share that experience together.  It is largely because of this connection that this film meant so much to me.  By the end of the film, I was truly shocked to find that not only a film that was made so long ago but also a film with subtitles, could make me feel so nostalgic.  In addition, the passion that Toto felt for film is one that I hope to feel for my own work someday.   Overall, this film truly opened my eyes and is one that I will constantly think back to for many reasons.  This film was special in many ways and I think it is one that so many people can relate to.  Whether it’s the small-town atmosphere, the father-son relationship, falling in love, the passion for doing what you love, or the sacrifices you must make to get there, this film truly has something for everybody.

Toto and Alfredo younger, Cinema    Paradiso

Alfredo and Toto older, Cinema Paradiso