Kuleshov Effect
In the dawn of the 20th century, cinema was a new art form comprising many techniques that hadn’t been developed, and the elements of editing were among them. Filmmakers knew that you could cut and splice the film strip, but they didn’t thoroughly comprehend the purposes of doing so.
Lev Kuleshov, a Soviet filmmaker, was among the first to dissect the effects of juxtaposition. Through his experiments and research, Kuleshov discovered that depending on how shots are assembled the audience will attach a specific meaning or emotion to it
Lev Kuleshov, a Soviet filmmaker, was among the first to dissect the effects of juxtaposition. Through his experiments and research, Kuleshov discovered that depending on how shots are assembled the audience will attach a specific meaning or emotion to it
What makes filmmaking a unique artform compared to painting or photography is that different meaning can be made when images are juxtaposed (put side-by-side) with another image. Looking at the above example, we see a picture of a man staring straight ahead. If it was simply a photograph of the man we might think of it as a portrait; however with the juxtaposition of another image, we feel that the man is looking at something.
In the first example with a bowl of soup, what emotion would you guess the man is feeling? What about the second and third?
Take a look at this great example of the Kuleshov Effect as explained by one of the all-time great directors, Alfred Hitchcock.
In the first example with a bowl of soup, what emotion would you guess the man is feeling? What about the second and third?
Take a look at this great example of the Kuleshov Effect as explained by one of the all-time great directors, Alfred Hitchcock.
Your Task...
On your own, create your own video demonstrating the Kuleshov effect. You must put together a minimum of 4 clips using iMovie or inShot; one medium or close-up reaction shot from a person showing little or subtle emotion, and 3 objects to elicit an emotional response,
e.g. the woman in a bikini and the baby in the Hitchcock clip we watched in class.
You will create your own Kuleshov Effect montage in the edit; remember, no audio needed! Add a credit still with your name on it, and export. Submit the file to the server when completed. Remember, I should be able to very easily identify which emotions your juxtaposition of images creates!
DID YOU...
/ 10 APP Marks
e.g. the woman in a bikini and the baby in the Hitchcock clip we watched in class.
You will create your own Kuleshov Effect montage in the edit; remember, no audio needed! Add a credit still with your name on it, and export. Submit the file to the server when completed. Remember, I should be able to very easily identify which emotions your juxtaposition of images creates!
DID YOU...
- Frame your shots effectively? (eyeline, no useless background info)
- Shoot 3 separate objects, aiming for a different emotional response with each one?
- Remove the audio and include your credits?
/ 10 APP Marks