Activity Originally Created By:
Anne Bown-Crawford
Focusing on the Elements of Art and Principles of Design
Part of Lesson Plan: Tools of the Visual Storyteller
Activity Overview / Details
Focusing on the Elements of Art and Principles of Design
Throughout the whole course, students should have the opportunity to analyze how the elements of art and principles of design are used in TV and movies and in their own work. It should be part of almost any in depth film analysis. At certain times the teacher may wish to have students focus on one or more specific elements or principles, particularly if there are areas in which students need to strengthen their skills and understanding. If so, select these areas of focus before beginning an activity or discussion.
1.
Review the elements of art and principles of
design.
• Give students handout : "
Elements and Principles of Design". Explain that
throughout the lesson, students will consider how TV and movies
make use of the elements of art and principles of
design.
• Go over the terms on the handout with students and
make sure that they are familiar with the elements
and principles. Show examples with visual artworks such
as photographs, paintings, prints, sculptures, drawings, posters,
etc.
2. Have students analyze elements of art and principles of design in a movie clip.
Show the movie clip that you chose, pausing it once or twice to show the selected still frames. Ask students to take notes on how the elements of art and principles of design are used to set a mood or tell the story. Have a few students share their analyses with the class.
A short list of movie examples is on the " Resources" handout. Also included are good sites to go to for others. Here is a list of possible choices:
- Hero, 2002
-
- The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, 2001
-
- A Room with a View, 1985
-
- Diva, 1981
-
- A Passage to India, 1984
Note: If you have selected one or more specific
elements of art or principles of design to focus on, have
students analyze the use of these elements or principles. If
students need support, the class can first analyze a clip
together. You can also have students analyze a still
image rather than the whole clip.
