THIS IS SPINAL TAP

THIS IS SPINAL TAP

Final Film Analysis

With at least 1200 words of analysis, explore the realist aesthetics of THIS IS SPINAL TAP. Using at least 4 elements from the list provided this week (in lecture and on the outline), explore precisely how the film uses aesthetics to offer a claim truth about the diegesis. Why does the film use these specific aesthetics? What truth/theme is offered?
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Nonfiction and Realist Aesthetics
People used to think that the truth should be shot badly. The truth is not guaranteed by natural
lighting or handheld camera.
€“ Errol Morris
The media does dictate our actions and our thoughts.
€“ Tyra Banks, 2/08/06
1. The Dominance of Narrative Cinema
2. Nonfiction film
A. origins €“ actualities
B. John Grierson and the creative treatment of actuality
C. truth claim
D. The Aesthetics of Realism / The Aesthetics of Truth
i. omniscient voiceover (voice of God)
ii. direct aIDress to camera
iii. on-camera interview
iv. textual information on screen (display of facts)
v. available (real) mise-en-scene
vi. handheld camera
vii. deep focus
viii. available (natural) lighting
ix. limited editing / long take
x. existing footage (stock / old footage)
xi. real people (non actors)
xii. diegetic sound only (or limited nondiegetic)