What is Sequence Analysis in Film?
In film studies, sequence analysis is frequently encouraged as a means of analyzing a particular film element or production to help the student better understand particular elements of the filmmaking process, but what is sequence analysis in film and what does it mean?
What is Sequence Analysis in Film?
Sequence analysis in film is a process in which the student or analyzer will take a close-up look at a particular clip, scene, or element of a film production in order to better understand the cinematography techniques that were used in the creation of the film. This represents a very distinct focus on analyzing aspects of cinematography technique such as:
- Shot scale
- Camera movements
- Tone
- Shot length
- Perspective
When performing a sequence analysis, you’re going to examine a particular sequence within a film. Thus, it’s important to understand what a film sequence is.
What is a Film Sequence?
A sequence represents a series of shots that are juxtaposed in a way in which they essentially form a story. Films are made up of a variety of sequences which together deliver the complete narrative. If you think of a shot as a sentence, a sequence as a paragraph, it is easier to understand how a sequence represents a portion of what makes up the overall story or film.
Thus, when performing a sequence analysis in film, you’re going to be choosing a series of shots that have been formed together to create a sequence and your analysis will be based on that. Thus, you’re going to analyze just a portion of a film, generally 10-12 shots but it all really depends on your desired sequence length. A sequence analysis could potentially be performed on an entire film if that was your intention.
Cinematic Techniques to Consider with a Sequence Analysis
When you begin your preparation of a sequence analysis in film, you’re going to want to focus on particular cinematic techniques. Most of the time, a sequence analysis is going to focus on things like:
- The ordering of the shots – how could changing the order of the shots change the connection or outcomes of the sequence?
- Editing of the shots and sequence – how did various editing techniques impact the sequence?
- The mise-en-scene – what is visible within each shot and how does it impact the narrative?
- Camera work – how do the camera movements, angles, and framing impact the story?
- Props – what props do you notice and how do they impact the sequence?
- Sound effects and soundtrack – what do you hear during the sequence and what is the impact of the sound?
- Costuming – how do costumes that the actors are wearing impact the film?
- Actor movement – what impact does the movement of the actors have on the sequence and how does it relate with the camera movements.
So what is a sequence analysis in film? It’s the analysis of a sequence of shots or scenes in which the analyzer reviews various elements of the film and prepares an in-depth collection of ideas as they relate to the individual cinematography techniques used in the production of the sequence.
