Study task 5 - Introduction

Between colour and composition, what is the most effective tool in cinematography to convey power in The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018)? 

• I am looking at colour and composition in buster scruggs to show power
• Scene analysis will be the way I begin to determine which is more effective
• Articals, books, videos, magazines
• I aim to find what the limits of these tools are and their strengths 
• I predict that they work best together
• I predict a limit will be technology or colour blindness

• My practical will demonstrate what I have learnt 
• I will storyboard showing how these tools are most effective (most effective use of colour and examples of strong composition)
• My practical will be an example of the real-world value of this research 

Intro:

The ballad of buster Scruggs is an anthology of six tales exploring themes of morality and death across the American frontier. Written and directed by the famed Coen brothers (Ethen and Joel Coen), it premiered in 2018 with great anticipation that was not met with disappointment. Fitting snuggly in with the rest of their formidable filmography, the off-beat humour mixed with drama and unusual characters are traits of their film making. A secondary theme explored throughout these stories is the inevitable shift of power and the struggle to maintain control against the force of both your fellow man and the very nature of fate. The first half (comprised of: The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, Near Algodones and Meal Ticket) utilise the most effective tools of cinematography in diverse and complex ways. Cinematographer Blain Brown (2016) summarises the ultimate purpose of successful cinematography as “more than just a picture- it is information”.  Norman Hollyn (2008), a well-established editor of films such as Heathers (1988) and lecturer at the School of Cinematic Arts, clarifies that the art of it “is entirely wrapped up in the details of the story” meaning that cinematography serves the more nuanced propelling of the narrative through metaphor and symbolism. Cinematography as a discipline is comprised of all visual aspects of film; exposure, to lighting to camera movement. The two tools favoured by the Coen brothers’ cinematographer, Bruno Delbonnel, are colour and composition which he equips both independently and in tandem.