PhotographyRealism | Classicism |

Formalism

Three styles of film

RealismClassicismFormalism

Realism A style of filmmaking that attempts to duplicate the look of objective reality as it’s commonly perceived, with emphasis on authentic locations and details, long shots, lengthy takes, and a minimum of distorting techniques.

Formalism A Style of filmmaking in which aesthetic

forms take precedence over the subject matter as content. Time and space as ordinarily perceived are often distorted. Emphasis is on the essential symbolic characteristics of objects and people, not necessarily on their superficial appearance. Formalists are often lyrical, self-consciously heightening their style to call attention to it is a value for its own sake.

Classicism A vague but convenient term used to

designate the style of mainstream fiction films produced in America, roughly from the midteens until the late 1960s. The classical paradigm is a movie strong in story, star, and production values, with a high level of technical achievement, and edited according to the conventions of classical cutting.

Classicism continued The visual style is functional and

rarely distracts from the characters in action. Movies in this form are structured narratively, with a clearly-defined conflict, complications that intensify to a rising climax, and a resolution that emphasizes formal closure.

Realism vs. FormalismREALISM FORMALISM

Realistic films attempt to reproduce the surface of reality with a minimum of distortion

Realistic films are an objective mirror of the actual world

Formalists deliverately stylize and distort their raw materials so that no one would mistake a manipulated image of an object for the real thing

The stylization is part of the show!

Realism vs. Formalism examples

REALISM FORMALSIM

Video examplesREALISM FORMALISM

The Pianist http://

www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3-Kt4OyDaI

The Seventh Seal http://

www.youtube.com/watch?v=anvRFJFUnRE

Realism |Classicism | Formalism

Realism and formalism are NOT absolutes. THERE IS NO CLEAR LINE!

Realistic films can have formalist elements and vice versa

Classicalism blends both and is used in most popular movies.