1. Spirited Away

2. Spirited Away Research
Research the following aspects of Japanese culture before watching the film:
Create a presentation addressing each aspect. You will not need to present to the class.
Respect for age
Modern Japanese life
Traditional Japanese life
Shintoism and Buddhism
Bathhouses
Kamikakushi

3. Film Techniques
Shots Close up Long shot Medium shot Extreme long shot Extreme close up Angles High angle Low angle Extreme high angle Extreme low angle Titled Birds eye view Movements Hand held Panning Zooming 360

4. Film Techniques
Lighting Artificial lighting Natural lighting (day,night,sunset etc.) Spotlight Dimmed Candlelight

5. Visual Techniques Salient image Gaze (demand and offer) Vector line
Size
Contrast
Copy (font and words)
Colour
Symbolism
Framing
Facial Expression
Positioning

6. Image Analysis
Identify the visual techniques used in this still image.
Which aspects of Japanese culture are evident in this picture? How are they presented?

8. Analysis Model
The first image uses a range of visual techniques to construct the concept of the fading of Japanese culture. The extreme long shot allows the audience to see the whole scene and the crumbling of the traditional buildings which seem abandoned. This could represent the abandonment of traditional Japanese ways. Vector lines are created by the stone river which could symbolise the slow fade of Japanese culture as it is position next to a traditional Japanese house. Additionally, the river fades away into the distance which could represent that Japanese culture is gradually fading away into the past. The use of bright natural colours surround the house and contrast with the dull colours of the stone which frame the traditional elements of Japanese living. This disconnects it from the rest of the scenery communicating that traditional Japanese culture is disconnected from society. Alternatively, this could also represent the social isolation of Japanese society as it is common for Japanese people to feel isolated. The fading of traditional Japanese culture has been represented by a range of visual techniques.

9. Analyse the image below. Plan first by annotating.

10. Watch the exposition of Spirited Away
How have film conventions been used to position the reader to understand some of the main ideas of the film?