David Lean: Great Expectations - Britmovie

lstar · 02-07-2004, 07:36 AM

ok im doing an essay on great expectations directed by david lean in 1946 and julian jarrolds in 1999. I need tonnes of ideas on the first scene when pip meets magwitch, stuff like camera techniques and sound please you have to help me if anyone has any ideas email me at lstar@rock.com

[ 14. July 2004, 19:21: Message edited by: DB7 ]

David Challinor · 02-07-2004, 02:12 PM

Maybe mention the way David Lean often used point of view shots - Pip looking at the blowing branches of trees etc - to establish the audience's sympathy with the character. Lean is noted for his 'pov' shots, and continued to use this technique extensively in his last films (scene in the woods during Ryan's Daughter and the erotic statues frightening Ms Quested during Passage to India). PS My mum, a great film buff herself, who must have viewed Lean's Dickens film at the cinema when she was 21, always said that early scene was one of the most memorable and frightening she ever viewed. Good Luck with the essay.

Steve Crook · 02-07-2004, 08:07 PM

If you're mentioning sounds, I can tell you that the sound of the creaking of the tree was actually made by twisting a wet rope. Try it & see.

It needs a fairly large rope that is already twisted quite a lot. Then, as you twist it a bit more, it gives off a lovely creak.

Steve

Gibbie · 02-07-2004, 09:41 PM

You are right David, it was very memorable. This is one of my favorite movies and Lean is my favorite British director. His POV photography is excellent and definitely establishes the opening scene after the reading of page one from the book. The wind also is used as a transitional and judging part (Magwitch). The early part of the movie reminds me of early years when, as a child, one is getting ones moral and social bearings, vulnerable to adult action. This scene starts the theme of the movie - coming of age and becoming mature.

Gibbie

02-07-2004, 07:36 AM	#1
lstar has no status. Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 1 iTrader: (0)	David Lean: Great Expectations ok im doing an essay on great expectations directed by david lean in 1946 and julian jarrolds in 1999. I need tonnes of ideas on the first scene when pip meets magwitch, stuff like camera techniques and sound please you have to help me if anyone has any ideas email me at lstar@rock.com [ 14. July 2004, 19:21: Message edited by: DB7 ] __________________ bye

02-07-2004, 08:07 PM	#3
Steve Crook is cheeky Moderator Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: London Posts: 9,913 My Mood: Country: iTrader: (1)	If you're mentioning sounds, I can tell you that the sound of the creaking of the tree was actually made by twisting a wet rope. Try it & see. It needs a fairly large rope that is already twisted quite a lot. Then, as you twist it a bit more, it gives off a lovely creak. Steve __________________ Steve Crook PaPAS

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02-07-2004, 02:12 PM	#2
David Challinor has no status. Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Reigate Posts: 209 Country: iTrader: (0)	Maybe mention the way David Lean often used point of view shots - Pip looking at the blowing branches of trees etc - to establish the audience's sympathy with the character. Lean is noted for his 'pov' shots, and continued to use this technique extensively in his last films (scene in the woods during Ryan's Daughter and the erotic statues frightening Ms Quested during Passage to India). PS My mum, a great film buff herself, who must have viewed Lean's Dickens film at the cinema when she was 21, always said that early scene was one of the most memorable and frightening she ever viewed. Good Luck with the essay.

02-07-2004, 09:41 PM	#4
Gibbie has no status. Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 712 iTrader: (0)	You are right David, it was very memorable. This is one of my favorite movies and Lean is my favorite British director. His POV photography is excellent and definitely establishes the opening scene after the reading of page one from the book. The wind also is used as a transitional and judging part (Magwitch). The early part of the movie reminds me of early years when, as a child, one is getting ones moral and social bearings, vulnerable to adult action. This scene starts the theme of the movie - coming of age and becoming mature. Gibbie