Cinema, as a form of visual art, has the power to transport the audience into a different world and captivate them with its storytelling techniques. Filmmaking is a challenging art form that requires a combination of creative and technical skills. To create a successful film, various elements need to come together in harmony. In this article, we will explore the 5 most important elements of cinema in filmmaking. We will discuss how each element plays a crucial role in creating a captivating film that resonates with the audience. Whether you are interested to pursue a filmmaking course in India or a movie enthusiast, understanding these essential elements of cinema is essential for appreciating the art of filmmaking.
- Narrative
The narrative is the first and most interesting element that forms the essence of a film. It gives you an insight into what the film is all about. A great story arc is an indispensable factor for framing a movie. Narrative style in film can either be linear or nonlinear. A chronological order is followed in linear narrative films. A story begins with flashbacks and continues until the present day, and it has a nonlinear structure.
- Cinematography
The cinematography in the film is another art form inclined towards technology. It’s all about writing in movement, a visual capture of film. Mainly comprises the choice of cameras, filters, lenses, film stock, movements and camera angles, lighting of the set, and addition of special effects. A cinematographer focuses on long takes with no cuts. Cinematographers must have strong technical skills to point out suitable angles and adequate lighting for any shot.
- Sound
Sound in the film is the compilation of sound effects, dialogue, and music that forms another powerful element in creating visual art called film. The music reflects perceptions and feelings in the film scenes. It has the magical power to influence the minds of the audience, and sometimes they connect the film with their lives through the divine music. Dialogue imparts direct context, while sound effects add mood and help improve the quality of the production.
- Mise-en-scene
The fourth element, Mise-en-scene comprises everything that falls within the film frames. It is described by the arrangement of sets, composition, props, lighting, movement of characters, and the camera. Props play an important role in storytelling. It can be either instrumental, contextual or even cultural. This element sometimes motivates and complements the characters in the film; sometimes it will have a positive impact on the role and influence the actors until its completion. Props in mise-en-scene are quite important and sometimes become a huge focus in the film.
- Editing
The fifth and most important element in filmmaking is editing. Putting the movie together through the compilation of scenes is not an easy task. It requires the utmost skill and passion for the movie which graduates who complete BA in cinema possess to do this wonderful job. Editors are responsible for making cuts in the film if required. Walter Murch’s six rules on editing comprise story, emotion, rhythm, the two-dimensional plane of the screen, eye trace, and the three-dimensional space of action.
Conclusion
Filmmaking starts with the initial story creation and results in the release of a movie. Film style varies with themes, sound, dialogue, cinematography, and lighting. This adds value to films. For film creation and film analysis, one must be aware of the essential elements of cinema. A film becomes successful only when all the above factors or elements come together. Students who complete their MA in cinema from reputed institutes also should be aware of the same. The audience will also find a film worth watching when a filmmaker tries to deliver the best result for them by following the above factors.