Exploring Film Analysis: A Deep Dive into Kenneth Branagh's 'Belfast'

The discussion opens with an exploration of various approaches to film analysis, highlighting the importance of narrative, the director's body of work, and the cultural context of films. The speaker emphasizes that while there are numerous valid perspectives, all methods ultimately begin with an analysis of the film's creative elements.

The speaker introduces the five key elements of film analysis: cinematography, editing, mise-en-scène, performance, and sound. These elements serve as a toolkit for filmmakers, each capable of conveying meaning to the audience. Understanding the technical language associated with these elements is crucial for analyzing films effectively.

Mise-en-scène is described as the visual world of the film, encompassing everything from character appearances to props and settings. The speaker notes the importance of historical accuracy in visual storytelling, as emphasized by director Daman, who aimed for a realistic aesthetic. The discussion encourages viewers to consider how the mise-en-scène establishes tone and reflects character roles.

The second key element, performance, is examined in terms of both verbal and non-verbal communication. The speaker highlights how actors' interpretations, whether subtle or exaggerated, contribute to the film's meaning. The discussion includes insights into character development, particularly focusing on how childhood trauma influences a character's perception and reactions.

Cinematography is introduced as the method of capturing the film, focusing on shot sizes, camera movements, and framing. The speaker emphasizes the importance of consistency in shot composition, suggesting that each shot should contribute to a cohesive visual narrative. The discussion hints at the director's perspective and how it shapes the audience's experience.

The discussion begins with an exploration of cinematography, emphasizing its various components such as film format (e.g., IMAX), aspect ratio, color versus monochrome, and lighting. The speaker highlights the importance of how scenes are captured, noting that the camera's movement can either follow a character or allow the audience to observe the character within their environment.

Transitioning to film editing, the speaker explains how individual shots are cut and assembled into scenes, and how the sequence of these shots influences audience interpretation. Each cut represents a cause and effect, shaping the narrative and emotional tension of the film. The pace of editing is also crucial, as it can communicate the intensity of a scene.

The final key element discussed is sound, which encompasses both diegetic and non-diegetic elements. The speaker notes that while music and score are the most noticeable aspects, sound design also includes ambient sounds, vocal quality, and sound effects, all contributing to the film's overall meaning.

The speaker introduces Kenneth Branagh's 2021 film 'Belfast' as a case study for applying the five key elements of film. They emphasize the importance of background research to understand the director's motivations and the historical context of the film, particularly the tumultuous events in Northern Ireland during the late 1960s, known as 'the troubles.'

The speaker shares a personal connection to 'Belfast,' revealing that they were born there and lived until the age of nine. They explain that the film reflects their childhood experiences and the stories of the city, highlighting the significance of familial and community themes within the narrative.

The speaker advises students on how to approach watching 'Belfast,' recommending that they avoid taking notes during the first viewing to fully engage with the film. After viewing, they suggest reflecting on the film and analyzing it through two lenses: a wide-angle perspective to understand the film's overall aesthetic and a close-up examination of key sequences for deeper analysis.

The film employs a wide-angle lens and monochrome shooting to create a realistic aesthetic reminiscent of late 60s documentaries. This choice enhances the naturalistic performances of the actors, allowing their subtle expressions to take center stage. The static shots and full depth of field contribute to an objective view of the film's world, emphasizing the relatable childhood concerns of the main character, Buddy, played by Jude Hill, against the backdrop of the troubles in Northern Ireland.

The film's setting is a working-class area of the 1960s, characterized by historical accuracy in cars, buildings, and clothing. The close-packed houses create a sense of community, reflecting a slightly crowded and less affluent neighborhood. The set design is intentionally tall to align with Buddy's child perspective, while the slow and unintrusive editing style allows for seamless transitions between scenes, evoking a collection of memories from Buddy's childhood.

The film features a non-diegetic soundtrack by Belfast's own Van Morrison, which complements Buddy's innocent perspective during a tumultuous time in Northern Ireland's history. Additionally, the diegetic sounds, including street ambiance and real-world news excerpts, enhance the film's authenticity, reminding audiences of the real events surrounding the fictional family story.

The memorable opening sequence introduces modern-day Belfast through wide crane and drone shots, showcasing significant landmarks like the Titanic Museum and Belfast Castle. Accompanied by an upbeat original song by Van Morrison, the film begins in color, symbolizing a thriving Belfast that has moved past its troubles. The transition to monochrome is seamless, bridging time and inviting viewers into the tightly knit community where the story unfolds, emphasizing the raw and realistic portrayal of life on the streets.

The scene opens with a sense of community as the characters beckon the main character, Buddy, to come home for dinner. The lack of cutting in the shots suggests a calm and present atmosphere, allowing the audience to absorb the environment. The wide shot captures every part of the set and the naturalistic performances of the cast, particularly Buddy, who is introduced playfully fighting dragons with a wooden sword and a dustbin lid, embodying a carefree and innocent youth.

The tranquility is abruptly interrupted as armed Protestants march into view, shifting the tone from innocence to confusion for Buddy. The filmmakers use an orbiting mid-shot to track Buddy's changing expressions, from carefree to concerned, as the sound transitions to muffled silence. The tension escalates with the sudden violence of a Molotov cocktail being thrown, marking a stark contrast to Buddy's previous playful imagination, highlighting the harsh reality of violence that intrudes upon his childhood.

The discussion emphasizes the importance of analyzing film from two perspectives: the holistic view provided by wide shots and the detailed examination offered by close-ups. This dual approach aids in understanding how films communicate major themes and ideas through key elements. The speaker encourages viewers to practice these analytical skills, suggesting that with time, they will appreciate films on a deeper level. Additionally, a shout-out is given to Dave Dunlap, the first YouTube member, inviting viewers to recommend films for future analysis.