Talking the talk: The language of film

A poet can use rhyme and alliteration, a novelist allegory and descriptive passage, a dramatist staging and chorus. What unique devices are available to the film director when telling his or her story?

Cinematography: colouring, lighting, speed of motion, focus, angle, panorama, close up

Production: type of film used, studio or location filming, sets, sound and editing

Mise-en-scène: everything seen in the film frame - set, props, costume, make up, lighting

Editing: fade in, fade out, dissolve, cut, flashbacks, continuity, montage

Films with recognisable themes and patterns are often broken up into genres. The main film genres are...

Action/adventure

Comedy Crime (gangster)

Drama Epic

Horror

Science fiction

War

Western

The Lord of the Rings is a fantasy film. Fantasy is considered a sub- genre. Other sub-genres include...

Biography

Buddy films

Capers

Disasters

Martial arts

Road Movies

Chick Flicks/Weepies