2.2.3 The Elements of Film
There are some important elements in a film. Filmmakers have to prepare some basic elements in making good films. According to Douglass and Harnden
1996:96 some of those elements are:
1 Characterization Characterization is the most crucial steps in preparing a film for
production. The actors or characters are important elements in a film, because they present the ideas of the director. Film is personal media
because they can bring the audience up close to characters. Douglass and Harnden 1996:96 state that generally the development of characters for
the audience is as important as the story or content of piece. The combination of physical, sociological, and psychological characteristics is
what makes people and characters interesting. In addition, a powerful attraction of some people is their energy, passion, and fire.
2 Setting According to Friedman 2004: 507 the two basic kinds of settings are the
natural and the studio-constructed. Most members of the audience are not able to differentiate between real locations from the studio stage. In
contemporary filmmaking, rear-screen projection and other special technology effects can combine the two, using images of mountains,
oceans, deserts, or vast spaces as the background. Further Douglass and Harnden 1996: 110 state that the setting established what kind of story
and characters people would meet and the kinds of conflicts that will occur. The arena also helps to define the characters.
3 Story Structure Structure of the story is very important in making a good film. The basic
elements of dramatic structure found in most productions are a beginning, a middle, and an end. Each of the three elements is developed and each has
its own characteristics. Douglass and Harnden 1996: 49 state that the basic of the three-act structure is
setup, the struggle, and finally the realization. The filmmakers state the rules of the game in the beginning. It also sets up the themes and devices that the
characters will use later in the drama. They further explain that the middle part is the struggle to achieve the solution of the problem defined, discovered, or created
in the beginning. Finally, the end is the climax, the resolving problem in a way of satisfactory to the audience. It usually involves some growth either in the
characters, the audience, or both. In conclusion, to present a good movie, filmmakers have to set good and
appropriate settings, either the real or studio stage locations. The second, they have to build an interesting story structure, because it is the essence of the work
itself. The last but not least, they need to select professional and talented characters to act the story.
2.2 War