The purpose of a film, in this case “Saving Private Ryan”, it is to tell a story. But to achieve that story there are a number of components that are crucial to help us understand it. Actors, emotions and sets are important to help guide the viewer through the film, but to understand it well you have to be able to see it unfold in front of you. This is why cinematography is so important to any film. It not only shows you what is happening but it also draws you into the story and world of the characters you are following.
From having analysed only a small area of “Saving Private Ryan” I have learnt just how important Cinematography is. It is not just capturing an image but how that image is captured. There are so many elements that contribute to a shot, such as filters, lenses, and composition. Without these an audience may become uninterested in what is happening on screen as it is not just the story that holds them but more importantly in the way that the story is told!
The tricks used in “Saving Private Ryan” such as the shutter effect and special lens help to show the film in a way that makes the audience feel as though they are travelling with the characters on the same journey rather than being an outsider watching for example, the timing and use of image shaker technology lets the audience believe they are close to the impact of bombs and explosions that erupt around them.
Each element helps achieve a shot and each shot contributes to a scene and in turn all scenes combine to create a memorable and moving film. With many films it is easy to watch them, enjoy them and move on to another, but with this film it is extremely memorable for more than just its story. I have friends and family who have watched it and passed remarks on how it was shot and although their comments show that they have enjoyed and will remember the film it is a tribute to the remarkable cinematography that they may not understand quite why! That is the mark of a great film. And a reason I chose it to study it more in depth.
Having spent time researching how much of it was achieved, I have come to a better understanding of how cinematography can effect a shot and scene. Allowing me to know what I can do to make my own work become more visually powerful.
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