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“Film Analysis Worksheet”

“For your Film Analysis, you will need you screen your assigned film. Likely, you will

need to screen the film more than once and pause at significant moments in order to fully assess

the elements you analyze.

The worksheet below will need to be completed in full and submitted on Canvas. Be sure

to write in complete sentences. Provide precise details from the film using specific film and

music terminology to support your answers.

DO NOT do any outside research. Use only your own assessment based on what you

have learned in the course.

Include the required selfie of you with the film on your device and you in the photo.

“Part One: Film Details”

Film: Agora

Year Released: 2009

Director: Alejandro Amenábar

“Part Two: Cinematic Elements”

“Pay close attention to the technical cinematic elements of the film you watch. Refer to

the Film section on Canvas to review terms. Be sure to use specific terminology and description

from the film when addressing each section.”

“Framing, Angles, and Camera Movement: Describe a significant element and explain its

effect.”

1. One of the most significant camera movements used in the film was in the first half of the

film. During this section of the film, the Christians have gained control of Alexandria and

force their way into the Library of the Serapeum, destroying its contents. Towards the

end of the rampage, the camera begins to turn upside-down, revealing the Christians

hoards rampaging through the Library. This camera angle depicts religious

fundamentalism dominating intellectual inquiry, symbolizing the world being turned on

its head. Throughout the film’s start, the focus is on Hypatia and her teachings to her

students, the library’s importance, and how Hypatia preaches mutual respect to all

parties. Therefore, when the religious fundamentalist takes over the symbol of

knowledge, which was the pride and joy of Alexandria, it signifies a dramatic flip in the

community’s collective focus, which is the opposite of what Hypatia practiced. So, by

flipping the camera upside down, the director was highlighting this tragic turn of focus.

2. Throughout the film, the camera zooms out from Alexandria and focuses on Earth. This

functions as an establishing shot, which symbolizes that the film’s themes not only

applies to Alexandria but all of Earth. The religious and political turmoil that persists

throughout the film in Alexandria is also occurring throughout the world. Furthermore,

Earth’s view also looks the same as it does now, suggesting that the director was

attempting to state that the themes continue to play out in our world today. Furthermore,

the director chooses to use the view from space during moments of the battle, zooming

out of the struggle to frame the Earth. The sounds of the battle can still be heard, but only

Earth is visible. It gave me a sense of insignificance that whether someone believes or

does not believe does not really matter in the grand scheme of things. When we look at

Earth, we realize how small we are and how little our opinions affect the world outside of

us. I think that the director included the view of space to demonstrate the themes carrying

throughout time and illustrate how small those themes really are compared to the world

we live in. In one part of the film, the character Orestes states that he was naive in

thinking that Alexandria’s people had changed from their violent and cruel ways; then the

scene cuts to space and pans over Earth and the moon while sounds of screaming are

heard. Again, implying that the Alexandrian people’s actions is seen throughout Earth,

and even into today.

3. The director also used many aerial and wide-angle shots to capture the events that were

taking place. For example, before the library invasion, there was a battle between the

pagans and the Christians. The director chose to capture the havoc in the streets with

wide angles that framed multiple people being hurt and transpiring various other violent

activities. He also used aerial shots to capture the violence and scale of the events. For

example, when the Christians were rampaging the library, the camera frames the scene

from above, looking down. In this angle, the Christians appear to be ants running around

the library and carting books and paper to fires placed around the library. Using wide

angles provide a sense of intimacy with the ongoing action, as they were taking at either

eye-level. When used at eye-level, the wide view made me feel as if I was

emerged in the action.

“Editing Choices and Length of Takes: Describe a significant editing choice and explain its

effect.”

1. Fading was used in the film to depict the passage of time. For example, after the

destruction of the library and Davus being freed from his slavery, the film fades from an

aerial shot of a street in Alexandria to black and into a shot of Earth from space which

then includes texts that describe the events that transpired after the Christians took the

library. Furthermore, it is also used to depict a passage of time at the ending of the scene

in which Davus is passionately holding Hypatia’s foot while they are trapped inside the

library.

2. Another editing technique used is dissolve. After the scene of Davus holding Hypatia’s

foot fades to black, multiple scenes are dissolved into each other. First depicts men

playing a game and dissolves into a low angle tracking of a man appearing to speak to a

group of people, then to men using the public bathroom, and finally to a mass of people

begging for food from the pagan leadership within the library fort. This dissolve mixed

with the fade depicts that time is passing and shows multiple scenes that are connected to

the pagans being trapped within the library walls. Namely, the official addressing an

unnamed group and the mass of people begging for food. This shows that the pagans

trapped in the library are growing as food is low and tensions are high.

3. Short takes were used throughout the film to create tense and dramatic scenes. Most of

the violent scenes were captured in short takes, where one aspect of the altercation was

the focus of the shot, then within a few seconds another area was the focus. For example,

when the pagans began murdering Christians that were gathered, the camera changed

subjects rapidly. It would jump from close-up shots of dead bodies to medium shots of

pagans stabbing Christians to wide shots of the whole area. The use of short takes made

the whole scene feels that more chaotic and dramatic.

“Color and Lighting: Describe a significant element and explain its effect.”

1. Low-key lighting was used in scenes that were dark and violent, as well as in intimate

scenes. For example, in the beginning of the film Hypatia tends to Davus’s wounds in his

slave chambers. Both characters are cast in heavy shadows with yellow/goldish light

patches when certain aspects of the characters were focused on. When Hypatia extends

her arm to put a salve on Davus’s wound, the camera captures the touch in a close-up

shot and the light is highlighting Hypatia’s tender touch to Davus’s wound. The mixture

of the warm light and harsh shadows creates an intimate environment, which suggests

that the characters both care for each other. However, this scene shows that Hypatia cares

for her slave and is kind-hearted but also indicates that Davus has deeper feelings for

Hypatia.

2. Side lighting was used throughout the film, mostly in scenes with Davus, to hint that a

character was hiding something. I mostly saw this used with Davus, especially in the first

half of the film when he was still Hypatia’s slave. For example, when Hypatia is tending

Davus’s wound, a couple close up shots of Davus’s face show half of his face illuminated

in the warm light cast by the lamps in the room, which emphasized how he was looking

at Hypatia. Immediately, I could tell that he had hidden feelings for Hypatia.

3. The overall color tone of the first half of the film was neutral, mainly shades of tan and

blue seen in the set and clothes of many of the characters, except the dark black worn by

the Christian Parabalani’s and the deep red worn by the high-ranking Christian officials. I

think the color choice in the first half of the film was to illustrate the stark difference

among the majority of Alexandria’s citizens and the Christians. Christians were

the outcasts and only the fundamental Christians were willing to stand out in society,

hence, they wore rich colors that clearly separated them from the other citizens. Even

Hypatia’s color choice during the first half, was that of colors that blended into the world

around her.

“Part Three: Theatrical Elements”

“Pay close attention to the theatrical elements of the film as you watch and how the

choices made affect the film. Refer to the Theatre section on Canvas to review terms.”

“Costume Choices: Describe a significant element and explain its effect.”

1. The clothing choice reflects a specific time period as well as the weather in Alexandria

during the 4th century. Men and women both wear togas, with sandals. Women wear

long togas covering their legs while men wear either knee length or longer. Men also are

depicted wearing trousers of varying length. However, women tend to cover their heads

with cloth-like material, while men are depicted covering and not covering their heads.

Hypatia is the only woman depicted in the film never covering her head, which I think

hints that she goes against the normal standards for women during that time and acts

more like a man was expected to act. Also, all the clothing worn was loose-fitting,

suggesting that the climate was warm, and many men can be seen wearing sleeveless

clothing.

2. The costumes also revealed information about social status. Lower class people wore

more worn-down looking clothing and less vibrant colors, and their togas were very

plain (no accents or embroidery). Slaves are depicted by necklaces around their necks, as

can be seen on Davus during the first half of the film. Members of higher classes wore

clothing that had more color, appeared more clean or fresh, and had embroidery. This can

be seen in the clothing worn by the high-ranking Christian officials and Orestes when he

becomes a government official.

3. Color was used in clothing to represent the different groups within society. For example,

Alexandria’s general public wore much the same color, either a washed-out blue which

seemed to be associated with the Christians or a light tan to white which appeared to be

associated with pagan followers. The use of black was to identify either Christian or

Jewish officials, except for one of Hypatia’s students who became a Christian

official in another province and wears tan. I believe that this symbolizes his judgment, as

he does not incite violence and tries to peacefully transition Alexandria pagans into

Christians. While both the Christians and the Jews partake and incite violent acts, hence

the use of black throughout their costumes. Red is also only worn by high class society

members and Hypatia was the only woman depicted wearing red even though she was not

a high ranked religious leader, government official or soldier. Red is typically associated

with power, which Hypatia did possess because she had a strong relationship with

Orestes and other high-ranked society members because she taught many of them.

“Props: Describe a significant element and explain its effect.”

1. An example of a set prop would be Hypatia’s sand pit located on the balcony of her

home. This prop is important because throughout the film Hypatia is attempting to

determine what shape Earth’s movement takes and whether the Earth is the center of the

solar system or the Sun is. She first uses the sand pit to disprove the idea that the Earth

follows a circle, which is the purest shape, and this sends her into vigorous thought about

what other shape makes sense. Finally, towards the end of the film she realized that an

ellipse was the answer after she tested the theory in the sand pit. Hypatia was a scientist

and desired to test her theories, the sand pit provided her with the tool to do her

experiments. Hypatia’s two scenes were around the sandpit were filled with desire to

learn, excitement, frustration, and inquiry. She seemed to thrive there much like she did

in the lecture room.

2. The cross is another prop that was presented in different forms throughout the film but

carried heavy symbolism. The first introduction to the cross was through Ammonius, a

Parabalani’s, who was preaching against a pagan. He is wearing the cross around his neck

and preaching God’s word but then forces the pagan preacher into a fire pit. This first

introduction to the cross in the film foreshadows the darkness and danger other partitions

of the cross will bring.

3. Another prop that was significant to the story was the scroll. Hypatia repeatedly refers to

multiple scrolls in the second half of the film, guiding her through her inquiry of the

cosmos. The pagan members also worked very hard to try to save as many scrolls before

the Christians ransacked the library. The scrolls represented knowledge and history to

people like Hypatia but were pagan witchcraft or pagan lies by Christian followers. The

burning of the scrolls was a dramatic and very important scene in the film, it symbolized

the transition from intellectual inquiry to religious fundamentalism.

“Acting Choices (choices made by the actor themself- not storyline events): Describe a

significant element and explain its effect.”

1. Rachel Weisz, who portrays Hypatia, used high lifelikeness when acting as Hypatia. Her

speech patterns were consistent with how I think a woman passionate about philosophy

would sound. She would sound excited and enthusiastic when Hypatia was teaching her

students and continued to do so when Hypatia was researching in her home. Furthermore,

she also spoke with confidence when Hypatia was addressing high ranking male officials,

which portrayed the image that Hypatia had of herself during the time period.

2. Another element of Weisz portrayal of Hypatia was her physical movements. Her

movement was of high lifelikeness as well. Weisz did not use exaggerated movements or

overly theatrical movements to portray Hypatia. I think the main reason for the realistic

movement was the fact that this film was based on a true story, so the actors had to make

the characters feel real and relatable. If Weisz used exaggerated movements that seemed

unnatural or theatrical, viewers would have to rely on suspension of disbelief much more

to truly immerse themselves into the storyline. However, Weisz’s physical movements

were relatable and added to the lifelikeness of Hypatia. The way Weisz carried Hypatia

with utmost confidence, perfect posture, use of arm gestures when Hypatia was

contemplating matters of science, and her relatable facial expressions, added dynamic

layers to Hypatia. In the scene where Hypatia is killed, Davus suffocates her so she can

die a painless death. During this scene, viewers are captivated by the slow movements

Weisz depicts Hypatia having, from the raised right arm that suggests Hypatia is

struggling to fight humanity's instinct to live with her realization that this is the least

painful way comparable to being stoned. Throughout this scene we can see her life’s

work play through her mind as she focuses on the shadow of the sun creating an eclipse

on the dome above her. So much emotion was captured in Weisz’s face that made

viewers truly connect with her.

3. Davus was another character that utilized lifelikeness that connected the viewers to the

storyline. Max Minghella, who played Davus, portrayed him as a young man full of lust

for his master (Hypatia) and who struggled to understand his place in the world. Davus

was a slave during the first half of the movie and many scenes indicated the lust he

carried for Hypatia. Many of these scenes included long glances toward Hypatia and

asking God to keep anyone else from having Hypatia. These actions are relatable to

anyone that has desired someone they cannot have. Furthermore, viewers can create an

understanding for Davus’s retaliation towards his master after he is indoctrinated into

Christianity. Davus was never treated as an equal by Hypatia, and his actions to try to

gain her respect are repeatedly turned down by her or gone unnoticed. So, once he learns

that God accepts and treats all as equals, he becomes angry and lashes out at his old life.

Max portrayed this well by wearing Davus’s emotions on his face. Max never used

theatrical methods to display Davus’s inner emotions; all his physical movements and

speech patterns are very relatable to someone who has been oppressed and

misunderstood.

“Set Design: Describe a significant element and explain its effect.”

1. The composition of each set in a scene is important. During the beginning of the film, the

sets are organized and balanced as in the first scene where Hypatia is lecturing her

students. The students are equally divided, the space is organized and the repetition of

structural elements (columns and stone) creates a sense of connection and unity. Even in

the scene between the pagan preacher and the Christian preacher, we have a sense of

balance as both sides seem to have an equal number of supporters. The use of line in the

background created by the two statues (one has both arms pointing out, and the others

long nose) behind the debating men point to the gathered people. However, this scene’s

amount of space is drastically different to the first scene in Hypatia’s lecture room. A

mass of people and structures fill the space, making the scene feel crowded and chaotic,

which reflects the tension between the two opposing ideas.

2. Throughout the film composition of scenes is used to communicate the scene’s mood, a

mixture of space-filled and organized elements and the lighting create environments that

enhance the mood of the characters’ actions. For example, during the Library’s sacking,

the library’s once organized and open spaces become filled with scrolls being thrown on

the ground, fires, and broken artifacts. This communicates the decline of civility that once

pervaded the city.

3. Line is used throughout the film to indicate a feeling of power or peacefulness. In the

opening scene of the second half of the film, Hypatia is on a boat with Orestes engaging

in an experiment, in the background the clear horizontal line created by the horizon

creates a sense of peace that the characters have felt since the ending of the first half of

the film. Whenever we are in a scene with powerful figures, vertical lines are prevalent

throughout the surrounding scene’s architecture. We also see vertical lines throughout the

environment in the buildings of Alexandria, which indicates the power of the city.

“Part Four: Sound and Score”

“Pay close attention to the auditory elements of the film as you watch. Refer to the Music

section on Canvas to review terms. Be sure to use specific terminology and description when

addressing each section.”

“Dynamic Shifts: Describe a significant element and explain its effect.”

1. The degree of loudness increased during moments of high emotions or action during the

film. For example, in the battle that ensues between the Christians and the pagans in the

first half of the film, when the shot changes from a close up of a character to a wide shot

or medium shot, the music grows more loud and powerful. The drums’ beats become

more pronounced and the duration at which we can hear each beat is increased. The

female vocals also increase as well. The directors choose to make the sounds of

screaming and yelling as part of the music, as it almost harmonizes with the musical

instruments’ loudness.

2. The music grows soft in more intimate scenes, and the instruments’ timbre include more

violins or string instruments. Vocals are used more during dramatic scenes such as

violent altercations or traumatic endings (the death of Hypatia). The degree of loudness

also decreases during these intimate moments when conversion among characters are

emphasized.

3. The pitch of the music also fluctuates depending on the mood of the scene. In violent or

highly emotional scenes, the pitch of instruments grow higher as the insanity builds while

the vocals tend to stay lower to harmonize with the high pitch instruments. Furthermore,

the duration of notes also increased with the growing intensity of a scene. For example, in

the scene where Davus is suffocating Hypatia and flashbacks to their past are shown, the

vocals become louder and in longer durations as well as the pitch and duration of notes

held by the string instruments. The combined effect of these three elements can make the

scene feel more powerful and more emotional. In the scene between Davus and Hypatia,

without the music, the emotions felt by Davus, his love and regret, would not be felt as

much. The music created a sense of longer and pain because of the degree of loudness

and pitch used.

“Rhythm: Describe a significant element and explain its effect.”

1. The beat of the music used in the film changed depending on the tenseness of the scene.

The beats increased as the movement and events became more chaotic in scenes. For

example, in the scene where the pagans and Christians battle, the drum and hum of the

vocals become more rapid, the beats become closer together to illustrate the increased

tension felt in the scene.

2. The measures used in the music also indicated tension or intimacy throughout the film.

More chaotic or tension-filled senses had triple or duple meters, while more intimate

scenes had simple meters. The simple meters were less emotionally excitable, and

induced feelings of warmth such as the scene where Hypatia admires Davus’s creation of

the Ptolemy’s representation of Earth's movement. The mood created was soft and

intimate. While, in scenes such as the battle between Christians and pagans, the meters

became more complicated and emphasized different beats; this created a mood of

intensity and tension.

3. Tempo also was influenced based on the mood that was to be created. The tempo

increased during scenes that were chaotic and violent and slowed during intimate and

emotional scenes. The music used when Davus suffocates Hypatia slowed and seemed to

draw our attention to the expressions of Davus and the memory’s he flashbacks to. In a

couple of more intimate but drastically less emotional, such as Hypatia's admiration for

Davus’s recreation of Ptolemy’s model, the music was of medium tempo and was light

and happier feeling than many other tracks used in the film.

“Primal Response: Describe a significant element and explain its effect.”

1. In highly emotional scenes, such as Hypatia’s death, the music induced feelings have

despair and pain. The woman's vocals used during this scene had a strong effect on my

emotional state. I could not help but get teary-eyed as the vocals became more powerful,

and each note’s duration increased. I felt the despair written all over Hypatia’s and

Davus’s body more drastically because of the woman’s vocals’ lull and pull. I also have a

strong response to stringed instruments such as the violin, the high-pitched melody that

the violins played during this scene made the whole experience so much more powerful.

The female vocals appeared to be used in highly emotional scenes compared to male

vocals begin used in aggressive or violent scenes.

2. The use of fast tempos and low-pitched male vocals during violent scenes such as the

battle between Christians and pagans created a chaotic and intense primal response. The

low male voices were powerful and sounded more aggressive than the sad and emotional

sounding female vocals. I believe that the male vocals increased the intensity of the scene

as it depicted the aggression and destruction brought on by both religious parties. The fast

tempos increased the intensity of the scene, making my heart rate increase as I watched

the characters’ chaotic and aggressive behaviors.

3. In scenes that were not highly emotional or violent, vocals were not used. Such a scene

was again Hypatia's admiration for Davus’s creation, the tempo was medium, degree of

loudness was soft, the pitch was neutral, and the notes were consonant. This created a

mood that translated into relaxed excitement and reflected Hypatia's peaked interest. The

primal response created within me was an even heartbeat and increased attention given to

the model, as I peaked in interest as well. The melody felt happy and made me want to

admire the piece as Hypatia did.

“Upload the selfie of you with the film on your chosen device and you in the photo. *Yes, you

must be in the photo.”