Date
11-2014
Department
Communication Studies
Degree
Master of Arts (MA)
Chair
Carey Martin
Keywords
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Christian Film, Film Editing, Film Making, Sonja Foss, Visual Rhetoric
Disciplines
Broadcast and Video Studies | Communication | Film and Media Studies | Film Production | Other Film and Media Studies | Visual Studies
Recommended Citation
Pfenninger, Jonathan, "Choices in the Editing Room: How the Intentional Editing of Dialogue Scenes through Shot Choice can Enhance Story and Character Development within Motion Pictures" (2014). Masters Theses. 339.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/masters/339
Abstract
This study examines the content of six feature length films, which showed in theaters in 2010 and 2011, from a communication perspective. Five of the scrutinized films are Academy Award winning and nominated films for Best Editing. The sixth film was the top grossing Christian feature film to be widely released within the two years. Utilizing Foss's rhetorical schema for the evaluation of visual imagery, this study examines and evaluates the composition of dialogue scenes within each film, identifying the functions of shot composition and movement choices within each film, individually. Through identification of a function, assessment and support found for that function, and scrutiny of said function, each film shows unique storytelling techniques that enhance the narrative for the audience. The functions of the Academy films are compared and contrasted with the Christian film and a discussion on film making practices and story enhancement through editing.
Included in
Broadcast and Video Studies Commons, Film Production Commons, Other Film and Media Studies Commons, Visual Studies Commons
