Film Techniques
What is the name given to Spielberg's famous close-up shot to show a character's reaction?
The Spielberg Face
What object do we see land in the forest in the Opening Scene of ET?
A Spaceship
Give an example of ET and Elliot's friendship in ET.
- They are sad when ET leaves
- ET hugs Elliot
- They spend time together
Which theme is focused on in ET?
- Anger at aliens
- Friendship
- Halloween
- Sibling Rivalry
Friendship
Does Spielberg use the Spielberg Face to show a character's reaction BEFORE or AFTER and event?
Before
Give one example of the Spielberg Face being used in ET or Jurassic Park.
Some correct answers are:
- When Elliot and ET first see each other for the first time
- When the Doctors see the dinosaurs for the first time
How does the non-diegetic sound change when the men arrive in the Opening Scene?
It becomes more dramatic and lower in tone.
Give an example of the 'Fractured Family' idea in ET.
The father had left the family
What name is given to the common idea in Spielberg's films in which characters have complicated relationships with their fathers?
Daddy Issues
Why doesn't ET want to stay on Earth when he become friends with Elliot?
He misses his family and his people (aliens)
What is the name of the technique that means that the audience can hear sound in the film that the characters can't hear?
Non-Diegetic Sound
What kind of feeling does the non-diegetic sound create at the very beginning of the film as the camera pans down to the tree line?
Mysterious
Eerie
Give an example of the idea of Ordinary People in Extraordinary Situations in ET or Jurassic Park.
Your answer should refer to the films having aliens or dinosaurs.
Why does Spielberg use the idea of Ordinary People in Extraordinary Situations?
To make audiences feel that the impossible is possible because they can relate to the characters
Why did Spielberg focus on the friendship between Elliott and E.T.? What can it teach us about friendship?
A possible correct answer:
- That despite our differences, we can be friends
What is the name of the camera shot that shows us where the action will take place?
Establishing Shot
What is Spielberg telling us about the aliens when the rabbit doesn't run from ET?
That the aliens are not something to be scared by
Give one example of the way Spielberg shows that ET and Elliot have a connection.
- ET drinks a beer and Elliot gets drunk
- Elliot can feel ET's feelings
This is when families have broken up or aren't a nuclear family (mum, dad and kids)
What types of characters are you most likely to see in a Spielberg film?
- Cartoon characters
- Talking objects and animals
- The Kardashians
- Supernatural creatures and animals
Supernatural creatures and animals
What is the name of the composer that writes the score for Spielberg's films?
John Williams
Spielberg uses lighting in the opening scenes of ET and Jurassic Park to create a sense of...
Mystery
Give an example of lighting creating a sense of mystery in ET.
Some correct answers are:
- Obscures the spaceship
- The torchlight hiding the faces of the men
Why does Spielberg often incorporate difficult relationships between children and fathers in his films?
He had a difficult relationship with his own father
Why does Spielberg often centre his films around children and the way they see the world?
- To highlight the innocence and curiosity of children
- To show that adults are the worst
- Because they are more interesting to watch
- To be ageist
To highlight the innocence and curiosity of children