Film Comparison: Cinemtography, Sound, and Acting

Out of all the movies we watched, I feel that Modern Times had the best use of sound. Since there was more actions taking place than dialogue, sound was very important and used prominently. The music and sound effects helped to add humor to scenes. The sound and music did not stick out either, blending in very well with what was going on on screen. My second choice would probably be Seven Samurai. They used native music towards the beginning which was pleasant and built up anticipation at the same time.
For the best cinematography, I voted for Shadow of a Doubt. There was a wide variety of shots, from close-ups to far-off shots. Hitchcock also incorporated the use of thirds in his frames. The shots seem carefully planned and keep the audience alive. I also think that Joan of Arc had very good cinematography. At the time technology was still very simple, but even so the shots were carefully crafted and were mostly close-ups. It helped to add a kind of psychological terror to the audience since it entered the actor's/actress's personal space.
I chose My Life as a Dog as the movie with the best acting. For me, the actors in this movie were able to gain my attention and empathy the most easily. It may also be because the plot line was the one that most appealed to me. However, I feel that the actors did a good job of reacting with each other. I also enjoyed the acting in Modern Times just because all of the actors were effortlessly funny; none of their acting felt forced.

Film Notes

> The Passion of Joan of Arc
Acting. well-chosen actors/actresses, facial expressions. The actress who plays Joan especially conveys character very well.
Cinematography. simple, mainly shots of faces, always moving
Sound. Silent Film.

> Charley Chaplin: Modern Times
Acting. very entertaining
Cinematography. mainly overall shots; not many closeups. induces a goofy feeling by the speeding up of some scenes
Sound. music which fits in with the story; enhances.

> Shadow of a Doubt
Acting. convincing actors/actresses; draws into story
Cinematography. lots of scenery; variety of angles; close-ups and large shots; very carefully framed shots
Sound. use of music that enhances the scenes and drama

> Seven Samurai
Acting. convincing flow;
Cinematography. dark settings; chaotic;
Sound. music for beginning: dramatic and sets up anticipation;

> 400 Blows
Acting. realistic portrayals of children
Cinematography. well-framed shots of classrooms;
Sound. music for beginning: dramatic and sets up anticipation;

> Panther Panchali
Acting. characters show lots of emotion and have natural timing; actors/actresses reflect their anxieties well Cinematography. Unique styles used: shots through bamboo, etc.; Sound. Native music used which adds to the cultural feeling of the film

> My Life as a Dog
Acting. Good actors and actresses; realistic and captures the audience
Cinematography. variety of shots,
Sound. reoccurring piano theme that ties events together

> The Thin Blue Line
Acting. Documentary...acting done to recreate crime scenes gets the job done Cinematography. many close-ups set in a fast pace to increase excitement; very unique: not many overall shots; mostly focuses of different items in the scene; everyone is speaking directly to camer Sound. music used to dramatize scenes, gun shots, etc.

> Hotel Rwanda
Acting. The main actor's accent sounds a little fabricated but overall does a good job Cinematography. very colorful shots, variety of angles
Sound. music used to dramatize scenes, gun shots, etc.