WWII/Saving Private Ryan

Saving Private Ryan is an Oscar-winning film, winning for Best Director, Cinematography, Film Editing, Sound, and Sound Effects Editing. The film was praised for its gritty, realistic portrayal of combat in World War II (particularly the storming of the beach).

Our focus while watching this film is to study the “film form.” We discussed “form following function” with graphic novels and comics (with Maus), and it is the same idea with filmmaking. The filmmaking form provides tools for the director to better tell his/her story. We will focus on two such tools unique to the film form—Sound and Cinematography.

After we view the film, we will look at a couple of select scenes where you will take notes on these aspects. For now, pay attention to how sound is used in this film, and also pay attention to the “look” of the film.