Shot for Shot (Part 1--Analysis)

Starting from 0:32 - 5:19

NAME: _Matthew Taggart_

DATE: _Feb 9^th, 2017_

DP: _Billy Knowles_

FILM 3: SHOT-FOR-SHOT DUPLICATION
DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT OF INTENT

This statement of intent is designed to train your mind, eye and heart to shoot purposefully. You should prepare it well before shooting. Briefly—but thoughtfully and specifically—answer the following questions. Be sure to make your answers specific to the assignment as listed on Learning Suite.

1.     What film or TV show is this from?

For A Few Dollars More (Leone, 1965)

·       In 3-5 sentences, what has happened in the story before this scene?

Col. Mortimer and Manco have spent a good chunk of time tracking down the criminal El Indio. Years earlier, he had raped Col. Mortimer’s sister-who killed herself during the encounter-and so Mortimer is out for revenge, Manco is out for the bounty. They team up and infiltrate El Indio’s gang, but are discovered and forced into a showdown.

2.     What is the theme of this film?

       The theme of this film is how revenge can change someone and take over their life.

3.     What is the story—the beginning, middle, and end—of your scene in three or four sentences? In other words, what happens as the scene starts, as it progresses, and as it ends?

Mortimer’s rifle lies on the ground; he finally has a chance to avenge his sister after all these years. When the chimes end he must reach down and grab the gun before he is shot; which he realizes is impossible. Just as all hope seems lost, Manco “re-starts” the chimes while also giving Mortimer a new pistol, thus making it a fair fight. Mortimer’s confidence is restored, and justice is done as he shoots down El Indio.

4.     What, specifically, must the audience understand narratively in order to engage in this scene? How does the director communicate each piece of information?

Two things must be understood, the first is simply who to root for. Both men are dressed in black, making it difficult to determine their status as hero or villain, however, Mortimer is lit from behind, giving him a somewhat angelic appearance. The audience must also understand the odds each man faces. Without his weapon in hand, Mortimer doesn’t have a chance against El Indio. Leone uses closeups on the eyes of both Mortimer and El Indio, as well as posture to convey their confidence (and likewise their odds for success) in this fight.

5.     What is the narrative, emotional and thematic purpose of this scene in the larger story?

Mortimer is finally in a position to avenge is sister and end a considerable portion of his life’s work by finishing off El Indio. The fact that he doesn’t have his gun and begins to doubt his ability to win demonstrates the futility of wasting your life plotting revenge. However, it becomes clear that perhaps it’s more than just revenge, and Mortimer is also after justice. Eastwood’s ability to finish off El Indio himself but instead letting Mortimer fight his own fight, demonstrates that there is a sense of western honor between these men. They aren’t simply cold blooded killers.

6.     What is the progression of emotions do you think the director wanted the audience to experience in this scene? Why? How did the director achieve this? How do you intend to do this?  

There is one shot, just before Manco shows up with the watch where Mortimer’s eyes droop almost imperceptibly. I believe this is to convey the feeling of hopelessness Mortimer is feeling in not being able to avenge his sister. I also think the director wanted the viewer to feel the tension of being in a gun fight. The close ups and back and forth between eyes, hands reaching for guns, and wide shots effectively does just that. I think in large part, the cross cutting adds an element of tension on it’s own, but by shooting specifically the faces and eyes, it leaves the viewer wondering if Mortimer (and by extension themselves) has what it takes to emerge triumphant. That worry is where the tension comes from. I want to accomplish this by seriously trying to break down what is going on in the minds of Mortimer, El Indio, and Manco during this scene and have my actors replicate that. There is little to no dialogue, so it all must be expressed in the eyes and posture.

7.     What is the first image of the scene? What is the final image of the scene? Why do you think the director chose these specific images?

As I am breaking down this scene the first image is El Indio taunting Mortimer and him explaining the rules of the fight. He has the musical pocket watch in his hand. The final shot will be Mortimer holstering his pistol. The reason for this is the watch is a symbol of power, and Mortimer has none. In the end, the power transfers to his pistol from the second watch and he is in charge.

8.     Why is this scene personal to you? What previous personal experience(s) does it remind you of? Ask yourself, “Why do I need to make this scene?”

This is one of my favorite scenes in all of cinema, and largely because I think Lee Van Cleef and Sergio Leone craft such an amazing emotional arc for Mortimer in this scene. As far as a personal reason, I really relate to Mortimer at this stage in my filmmaking career. I wonder if I have what it takes, I doubt myself, and I hope I can regain my confidence in a metaphoric way that would echo what happens in this scene. I think that means coming to peace with my own past, but also relying on others more than I have in the past (the way Mortimer receives help from Manco). The fact that I’m from Wyoming and have images of the wild west seared into my brain puts this gunfight in a language that resonates with me as a compelling metaphor for the way I feel. I think I need to make this scene as a cathartic release to deal with some of this baggage I carry with me.

9.     Which specific visual elements (line, shape, space, tone, color, rhythm, movement) do you notice the director is using to purposefully communicate the emotion of the scene? What other elements is the director using to evoke emotion? (Be specific! Don’t just say “art direction,” although that’s a start, say, “scattered clothing on the bed, open closet doors…” etc.)

For starters, I think shape is apparent since the three characters appear in a large circular arena to have their fight, as well as the shape of the actors in the frame and the sweat and dirt on their faces. Another would be tone. As I said above, both characters are dressed in black, but El Indio pops out of his white background, whereas Mortimer blends in even though it’s a bright background since it’s not a stark white. This gives him the appearance of an angel. Movement also plays a critical piece, and in this case its very subtle movements by the actors. Reaching for guns, or a slight twitch of the eye stands in large contrast against the overall static quality of the images. The rhythm of these shots adds to the intensity due to the variety and meaning of each shot.

10.  What focal lengths does the director appear to be using? Why?

I would guess he ranges all over the place from as wide as possible (14mm) to intense close ups (75mm). I think he does this to create that tension I discussed earlier. Jumping around from shot to shot, finding that rhythm in framing adds to this tension. The close ups make this very personal and put us in the mind of the gunfighters. The wides not only allow for a breather and moment to gain a look at the geographic area, but also give us a grander perspective on this fight.

11.  In a bulleted list, describe two or three potential obstacles the filmmakers faced in creating a successful scene. How do you think they overcame these?

·       One obstacle was conveying an unspoken dialogue between the two fighters. I think they overcame this by using subtle movements, punctuated by larger movements in order to demonstrate what the characters were thinking and feeling.

·       Another obstacle was making sure the camera work stayed consistant throughout the entire sequence. There are a good number of static tripod shots, but the moving camera shots feel the same because the camera commits to the frame its on. There’s no drifting as the camera operator tries to decide where to be. I think they accomplished this through practice.

12.  In a bulleted list, describe two or three potential obstacles you may face in creating a successful scene. How can you be prepared to overcome these? Be specific!

·       Acting will be one of the biggest challenges for me. I am going to try and make sure that I really have a handle on what each character is thinking in each shot just as much as trying to make the scenes match. I think the acting could cause the scene to drift a little off and one from perfect when compared to the original edit.

·       Costumes could be a challenge. I’m not worried about some details when it comes to the scene, for example I have a pocket watch that isn’t identical, but will work. However, the shape of Mortimer’s hat provides a unique look to the framing that I think is important to replicate.

·       Lighting. This might also fall under a weather type problem. They had really great lighting outdoors. Some of that should be easy enough, but in order to match, I don’t want to shoot in a blizzard or even an overcast day. I’ll plan my best, but to be honest, I don’t know what I can really do if there is a storm. I am going to aim to shoot in the morning to hopefully avoid more stormy times of day.

Shot for Shot Breakdowns