Using a sheet with statements about film texts relating to both Western and African cinema, I attempted to apply each statement to either text. These were my results:
Western Cinema
The camera places the audience amongst the action through the use of POV shooting, lots of shot/reverse shot and lots of CUs.
We are encouraged to identify with a main character through the use of CUs.
Narrative structure is simple and linear – there may be sub plots but they are clearly less important.
It is all about one main character – usually the hero.
Editing is generally fast-paced and speeds up during moments of high drama or tension.
Cross-cutting (parallel montage) is used for plot purposes.
The ‘realism’ of the sequence is preserved in a strict observance of the diegesis. The only storyteller is the camera.
African Cinema
The camera tends to remain an observer of action, staying out in two-shots or even long shots.
We are encouraged to understand the interactions between different characters. Our engagement is sociological rather than psychological.
The narrative is easily separated into plot and sub-plots and the focus may change throughout the film.
Not easy to say that any one character is a hero.
Editing is generally slow paced and not dependant on levels of tension or drama.
Cross-cutting may be used metaphorically to imply contrast.
The diegetic world is frequently mediated by a character who can break out of it and address us directly. A storyteller seems important.
