Film Studies and Cinematography-Project1 Story Development
Table of Contents
Module Information
Lecture
Practical
1. List 3 favourite films. Describe why by explaining your personal experience and emotional connection to the films.
My Favourite Films：
The Chorus / Les Choristes (2004)
This movie touched me because of its gentle yet powerful message about hope, kindness, and the transformative power of music. Watching the teacher, Clément Mathieu, guide the troubled boys with patience and compassion made me reflect on how much a mentor can change someone’s life. I was moved by the way music gave the children a voice and helped them heal from loneliness and pain. It reminded me of the importance of being understood and supported, and it made me think about the teachers and people in my own life who believed in me when I doubted myself.
The Lion King (1994)
This movie touched me because of its timeless story of growth, courage, and responsibility. Following Simba’s journey from a carefree cub to a mature king made me reflect on my own experiences of facing challenges and fears. The loss of his father and the call to step into his rightful place resonated deeply with me, reminding me that no matter how uncertain or afraid we feel, we must eventually accept responsibility and move forward. The themes of family, friendship, and destiny made me think about my own values and the strength I find in the people close to me.
Interstellar (2014)
This movie touched me because of its mix of science, love, and sacrifice. Watching the bond between Cooper and his daughter Murph made me reflect on how powerful connections across generations can be. I was fascinated by the visuals and the exploration of time, but what really stayed with me was the emotional idea that love is something that can transcend distance and even dimensions. It made me think about my own relationships and how far I would go for the people I love.
2. Watch Kitbull again. Then, identify the world and characters in each. Write these down.
- Who are the main characters?- Is there a character you identify with most?
- Where does the movie take place? Is it one world or multiple worlds?
Kitbull (2019) Analysis
Main Characters: A stray black kitten and an abused pit bull.
Character I Identify With Most: The kitten, because it was initially fearful and lonely, but eventually learned to trust and accept friendship. I have had similar experiences—feeling afraid to connect with others at first, but later discovering the warmth and comfort that friendship can bring.
Setting: The story takes place in a small backyard corner of the city. It is set in a realistic, single world rather than multiple worlds.
Part B: Try mixing a character and world from different shorts. Try this and see what happens
Mixing Experiment (Character + World Exchange)
If the kitten from Kitbull were placed in the world of The Lion King, it might become friends with young Simba and explore the grasslands together. Simba is brave, while the kitten is timid, so their contrasting personalities would complement each other. The freedom of the savanna could gradually help the kitten become more courageous.
If the universe from Interstellar were combined with the teacher from The Chorus, it could become a story about a teacher leading children on a spaceship journey, using music to bring hope and comfort to an otherwise lonely voyage through space.
Project 1:Part B（Project 1: Story Ideas）
Pixar Short Analysis — Red’s Dream (1987)
Red’s Dream is a short film about a lonely red unicycle sitting in the corner of a bicycle shop, longing for purpose and connection. In its dream, the unicycle imagines itself as a star in a circus performance, but the dream fades when it wakes up to its lonely reality.
This story works because it uses a very simple object with human emotions to explore universal feelings—loneliness, longing, and the desire to be valued. Even without words, the unicycle’s dream makes us reflect on our own wishes to be recognized and not forgotten. It resonates with me because I also know the feeling of wanting to be seen and understood, especially in times when I felt overlooked or left behind.
Pixar Short Analysis — Red’s Dream (1987)
My “What If” Statement
What if a small, overlooked sapling discovered it could talk to the stars?
My Story IdeaMain Character: A small sapling growing in the corner of a city. It is tiny and constantly overshadowed by tall buildings and larger plants, and no one ever notices it.
World: The gray and forgotten corners of the city. During the day, the sapling feels invisible, but at night, the sky fills with stars that shine back at it.
Plot:
Emotional Connection
This story is meaningful to me because it symbolizes how, even when we feel small or overlooked, hope and perseverance can help us discover our own value. The conversations between the sapling and the stars remind me of times when just a little encouragement or understanding from others gave me strength to move forward. I see myself in the sapling, because I too have experienced moments of doubt, but through growth and support, I learned to embrace my own light.
Comments
Post a Comment