Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Watching Twelve Angry Men and What to Note

Term:

Cinematic: Written and directed for film.  When writing a play, you must avoid cinematic features

How to avoid the storied and oft dreaded comment: "Too Cinematic": Cinematic means the design and flow of your play is more appropriate for film (the use of a camera). So, when your scenes are too cinematic, it means your play is taking on a form that is not well-suited for the stage. 


Examples of too cinematic: constantly switching scenes, explosions, the use of  vehicles, sets that are far too complex



While watching the film version of Twelve Angry Men, pay close attention to the visuals of the production. I want you to imagine that the play version has not yet been produced, and you are responsible for adapting it. You are watching the T.V. production to get a sense of what you can easily adapt, and what you would have to adjust. Please take note of elements/moments that you believe are much too cinematic for a STAGED PRODUCTION of this play.

This exercise will not only give you a greater insight into the emotional depth of the play we just read, but it will also help you become a more critical thinker when it comes to designing the structure of a play (in terms of using physical space wisely and practically)

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