Film Analysis: Clone Wars

Summary

  • I chose Star Wars The Clone Wars for this project.  I chose the series instead of the movie since it’s much better.

Film Analysis

Film Title
Star Wars The Clone Wars Season 1
Year 2008
Director
Dave Filoni (God)
Country
America
Genre Action-Adventure
If you could work on this film (change it), what would you change and why? I would call Dave Filoni and ask him about his biggest regrets about the show.  Also would have changed Ahsoka’s ending a bit.  Would’ve used Tarkin more.

Film information can be found at imdb.com

As you view films, consider how the cuts, camera angles, shots, and movement work to create particular meanings. Think about how they establish space, privilege certain characters, suggest relationships, and emphasize themes. In addition to shot distances, angles, editing, and camera movement, note details of the narrative, setting, characters, lighting, props, costume, tone, and sound.

Ask yourself the following questions:

TOPIC YOUR NOTES
1. Who is the protagonist? Anakin Skywalker, Ahsoka Tano, Obi-Wan Kenobi, other characters sometimes, occasionally Sith as well.
2. Who is the antagonist? Mostly sith and separatists, like Darth Tyranus, General Grievous, Poggle the lesser, and to some extent, Emperor Chancellor Palpatine.
3. What is the conflict? The Clone Wars.
4. What is the theme or central, unifying concept? (summarize in one or two words) Choices are not always black and white.
5. How is the story told (linear, non-linear, with flashbacksflash-forwards, at regular intervals) Mostly linear
6. What “happens” in the plot (Brief description)? Anakin turns to the dark side, the clone wars draw to an end.
7. How does the film influence particular reactions on the part of viewers (sound, editing,
characterization, camera movement, etc.)? Why does the film encourage such
reactions?
The film particularly uses the soundtrack to influence the viewer’s thoughts, as the clone wars series is much more serious than most people think.
8. Is the setting realistic or stylized? What atmosphere does the setting suggest? Do particular objects or settings serve symbolic functions? The setting is stylized.  The atmosphere suggested is that the clone wars are considered a normal way of life.
9. How are the characters costumed and made-up? What does their clothing or makeup reveal about their social standing, ethnicity, nationality, gender, or age? How do costume and makeup convey character? The clothing of characters is interesting as there are many different races and species portrayed in star wars
10. How does the lighting design shape our perception of character, space, or mood? The lighting typically emphasized the feel of the characters.  Bright light meant all is well or deceit is at hand.  Bad light meant danger.
11. How do camera angles and camera movements shape our view of characters or spaces? What do you see cinematically?
12. What is the music’s purpose in the film? How does it direct our attention within the image? How does it shape our interpretation of the image? What stands out about the music?
13. How might industrial, social, and economic factors have influenced the film? Describe how this film influences or connects to a culture?
14. Give an example of what a film critic had to say about this film. Use credible sources and cite sources.Example: “The Shawshank Redemption Movie Review (1994) | Roger Ebert.” All Content. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 June 2015.
15. Select one scene no longer than 5 minutes that represents well the whole film and shows relevant cinematic elements. Write a one-sentence description of the scene and record the time of the scene.Example: from 1:05:00 to 1:10:00.

Explain why you chose this scene.

I really can’t do that.  It’s a 66 hour long tv show.  The best scene to describe it could be the one linked below.

I think this scene best shows Anakin unconsciously reaching for the dark side and finding it works better than what he’s been taught.  He forms attachments with Ahsoka, Obi-wan, and Padme, which also accelerates him to the dark side.

16. In the selected scenewrite a sentence for each of the elements below to justify why this scene best represents the film:
a. Screenwriting: Intriguing writing, excellent character development.
b. Sound Design: The sound design is done quite well, with every sound feeling as if it belongs.  There is one thing that is always consistent throughout the series, best described by the meme below.

c. Camera Movements/Angles: The angles often are used to emphasize what they want us to see and feel.  To show us their feelings, often the camera shows a close up of their face, whereas to show us the might of the clone army, they show us a pan of the soldiers marching.
d. Light Setup: It’s animated, so they control the lighting at all stages.
e. Soundtrack/Score: IMPERIAL MARCH BABYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY.

Also, the music is very expressive, and clearly communicates the feel of the scene.

18. What’s the socio-cultural context of this film? It does a good job talking about racism, fascism, democracy, and lying to the masses.

This worksheet was developed with ideas from many IB Film teachers, thus should remain in the Creative Commons

Mr. Le Duc’s Film Analysis Resources

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *