Advanced Editing Notes- Overview/Classical Paradigm

a. Compare the following two short films: the "Arrival of a Train" and "Damsel in Distress"- as they relate to Realism, Classicism and Formalism

1. How would describe the difference in camera work: composition, angle, movement
For the “Arrival of a Train” clip, the camera work was in my opinion very static and boring. This short film is relates to Realism the most. There was a long shot of the train arriving and people walking to the train to board. The take was extremely lengthy and their wasn’t any camera movements because it was just a recording of time.



“Damsel in Distress” is quite different from “Arrival of a Train” in that it is a Classical film. The cinematographer used a variety of different shots, such as LS, MS, ELS, etc). This makes the film seem more interesting compared to the other film. The camera followed the man while he rode this bicycle to the “damsel”, which incorporates some camera movement to the film.

2. How would describe the differences in the edit?
For the “Arrival of a Train” had no editing whatsoever, a goal realists attempt to strive for.
There were more cuts in the other film, which emphasizes speed as the man tries to save the woman on the railroad tracks before the train runs her over. I noticed that the edges of the film was softened and sometimes black encircled a character to create focus.
3. How would describe the characteristics of the story being told/narrative?
There isn’t a “story” being told in the train short film because the directors wanted an objective recording of what actually exists. It depicts the ordinary, everyday lives of people in their routines.
The storyline was a little cliche for my taste, but it was typical for the Classical style. The story for “Damsel in Distress” is basically about a villain chaining a woman to railroad tracks. She whistles for her dog who fetches a man to help the poor damsel in distress. Together they rescue the woman. In the end everyone is happy and the villain is arrested. Parallel action dominated the film. The woman is in desperate need of saving as the train was approaching in another shot. At the same time, the man and dog tries to beat the train. The three event happening simultaneously at different locations create suspense for the audience. Ultimately, these come together in a climax.