Style that comments on contents (like Douglas Sirk on melodrama).
Style as a Moral and Political Fact
The articulation of cinematic structures does not merely “show” the events of a narrative, but creates them as an act of commentary, judgment and statement.
Film Theory: Style–Definition, Attributes, Studios, Directors
Research in progress, Dec 16, 2023
The Concept of Style:
Subject matter
Style and Studios (Studio as Auteur)
Each studio developed its trademark look:
MGM, conservative, elegantly polished
Paramount, softly artful
20th Fox, slick and meticulously framed
Warner, raw and hard (gangster movies)
Style Vs. Contents
Style that promotes contents
Style that matches contents
Style that overwhelms content
Style that outstrips content
Style at the expense/compensates for c0ntent
Origins of Style:
Style for style’s sake
Style as rooted in personal vision
Style that comments on contents (like Douglas Sirk on melodrama).
Style as a Moral and Political Fact
The articulation of cinematic structures does not merely “show” the events of a narrative, but creates them as an act of commentary, judgment and statement.
Godard:
We look first at the style of Godard
It’s easier to discuss style than contents
Screenplay and Narrative Structure
Cinematography
Editing
Setting and Set Design
Sound and Score
Casting and Acting Performances
Evolving Styles
Special Edition: Director’s Cut
Source: Boggs
Visual Style–Production Design (Case Studies, Peacock book)
Frankenstein, 31
Wizard of Oz
Invasion of Body Snatchers
Psycho
Satyricon
Alien
Stalker
Fitzgeraldo
Blade Runner
Brazil
Ju Dou, 90
Dick Tracy
Richard III
Angela’s Ashes