2. Identify Key Terms:
Alignment
Analyse the different ways that a
filmmaker can ‘Align’ us or manipulate
our emotional responses
Begin an in-depth analysis of the Boot
Camp sequences from Full Metal Jacket
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3. ALIGNEMENT
The process of adjusting parts so that they are
in proper relative position
ALIGNEMENT is the process of identification
with something or someone.
As film students we must refer to the way
spectators are encouraged – through micro
and macro features – to relate to characters’
emotions as well as adopt their points of view
The emotional impact of a film frequently
depends on spectator alignment with central
characters
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4. In what ways can a filmmaker attempt to ‘align’ spectators with
specific characters?
Cinematography – a CU positions the spectator closer to the
character. Alternatively, a wide shot or MLS will put distance
between the character and the spectator
Sound – certain sounds / music are used to highlight and guide our
responses
Themes / Content – depending on the subject matter of the film
we can be easily manipulated if the issues portrayed resonate
within us on a personal level
E.g/
•Death of a loved one
•Cultural / Social Issues
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5. Watch the following extract from Scorsese’s Taxi Driver and
make notes on the following:
•What emotions are engendered by the vigilante
bloodbath scene in Taxi Driver?
• Do these emotions involve pleasure of some sort?
• If so, what is the nature of this pleasure?
• If it is not pleasurable, why do audiences expose
themselves to these kinds of scenes, deliberately
exposing themselves to a certain type of emotional
response?
You will learn by the numbers I will teach you!
6. Most films will attempt to align the spectator with a
specific character or group of characters
Why would a filmmaker do this?
If a filmmaker can align us with a character
(emotionally or culturally) we are more willing to adopt
a preferred reading of a film (take on the meaning
intended by the producer)
If we are aligned our emotions can be easily
manipulated and we are more likely to
experience an ‘Audience’ response rather
than an individual ‘Spectator’ response
You will learn by the numbers I will teach you!
7. Most films and filmmakers will encourage an audience response – a
shared emotional response that is initially intense but quickly fades
How can a filmmaker do this? Spielberg is an advocate
of this approach to
• Use existing genre convention cinema and he has been
labelled “Technically
• The ‘under-dog’ story gifted but intellectually
• Sympathetic Characters and situations shallow”
• Place characters in realistic scenario –
the more common the scenario the better
• A mix of ‘mood’ (through music, light etc) and realistic
emotions
• Play on audience fears and phobias
• Build expectation and eventually meet that expectation
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8. Watch the endings for both ‘Full Metal Jacket’
& ‘Platoon’
Make a list of the different ways in which the
film provokes strong emotional responses from
the audience
How does the film encourage an audience
reading of the film?
What are your opinions on this approach to
filmmaking?
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9. Films like Platoon offer us two possible readings of the film
We either ‘Get it’ and accept the meaning and share a response with the
audience
Or
We don’t ‘Get it’ and have no / little emotional response to the film
Full Metal Jacket does not suppose a single A point proven by
meaning for the film, rather it relies on the both Tom and
individual experiences of each spectator to Henry’s reaction to
the film last lesson
create meaning – this is what defines a spectator
experience as opposed to an audience
experience
You will learn by the numbers I will teach you!
10. Complete your handouts and provide answers for all the questions:
What do you think the film is about?
Who is the main character?
How do you feel about the portrayal of Private Pyle?
Why was the film split in to two distinct sections?
In what ways does the director detach the audience from the
characters?
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11. You must now go through the film and identify key scenes where
alignment takes place or attempts to take place. Your own personal
response should be noted here!
Scene Response to character Construction
A selection of quick cuts from the same angle
reinforces the uniformity of the characters. They are
being stripped of their identify (head shaving) and the
camera reflects this.
The non-diegetic music reinforces the militaristic focus
At this point all characters
of the film and audience awareness of the Vietnam
Head are introduced anonymous
conflict may dictate their emotional responses. The
Shaving and without individual
southern accented twang of the vocalists sing of the
identities.
individual in Vietnam, not the gung ho all American
image from other films.
The purpose of this sequence is to introduce and focus
upon the regimented army life style and loss of
identify the characters will face
You will learn by the numbers I will teach you!
