Shortcuts to Happiness: The Performing Arts

Pre-viewing Activity: Analysis of the Performing Arts

This activity should be used prior to watching any of the videos in the Shortcuts to Happiness series. It is designed to introduce students to all aspects of the performing arts.

Chose two scenes from different movies featuring the same actor. Pick an actor that is not playing the same role in two different movies, e.g. James Bond. A good example would be Meryl Streep in Bridges of Madison County and Death Becomes Her. Pick scenes that are a maximum of 3 minutes in length and are suitable for your class. Find scenes that will demonstrate the 10 topics listed below. To get things started show each scene and then ask:

How are the scenes the same?
What are the differences between the two scenes?
Based on your observations of differences, why was it done that way?

Divide up the class into small groups and assign each group a topic listed below. As you show both scenes to the class, each group will be watching for something different. Show each scene at least three times to make sure your students catch all the subtleties. Have each group write a list of how their topic helps create each scene. The groups should report their observations to the entire class.

Actors bring more to a part than their own personality. How do their mannerisms and movements change?
How does the actor’s voice change and help define the character.
Music is so important to set a mood or tone in our lives and it’s the same in a movie. What is the composer trying to say in the scene? How is he or she saying it?
Most people tune out background noise, but it adds a lot to our perception of the surroundings. What background sounds are used? What picture is the sound technician trying to paint for our ears, and how does it add to the production?
After watching the scenes several times you should start to pick up differences in writing such as sentence length, word usage, etc. How does the writing style help define the scene?
All kinds of artists work on a production. Look for how a make-up artist helps shape our perception of the character.
Since most scenes use some form of supplemental lighting, look at how the lighting affects the scene. Is it moody, bright, dark, or does the color connote a time and place?
Someone put a lot of thought into the set design. How does it help you understand the character or plot?
How fashion conscious are you? What do the costumes say about the character?
Study how a video/film editor helps shape the pace and your involvement in the scene by counting the number of camera shots. How many shots were there and how does it contribute to the feel of the scene?