How to Make Your Audience Feel — Emotion Theory in Movies

How to Evoke Emotion in Film — We look at a filmmaker's most powerful tool: emotion.

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Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to Emotions in Film
01:01 - What it Emotional Theory?
04:18 - Chapter 1: Writing Emotions
03:38 - Chapter 2: Shooting Emotions
13:54 - Chapter 3: Post-Production
17:36 - Takeaways

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THEORY OF EMOTION IN FILM

Movies can make us feel emotions that our daily lives might only rarely give to us. Cinema's power to move is arguably what made it the dominant art form of the 20th century, and what continues to bring audiences to it today. So how do filmmakers make us feel? What are the cinematic techniques that help make an audience laugh, cry, gasp, or all of the above?

INTRODUCTION TO EMOTION WRITING

The feelings present in your film begin on the page. Writing compelling dialogue and relatable characters is key. Dialogue should reflect their internal struggles and desires, creating a connection with the audience. Subtext, where characters say one thing but mean another, can deepen emotional resonance. Repetition can also be powerful, bringing certain elements from earlier in the story into a new context.

VISUAL EMOTION THEORY

Visual storytelling amplifies the emotional tone set by the script. Cinematography plays a crucial role in conveying emotions; shot composition, camera angles, and lighting all contribute to the mood. Close-ups can capture subtle expressions and intensify emotional moments, while wide shots can underscore isolation or vastness. Color palettes also influence emotion; warm tones might evoke comfort or passion, while cool tones can suggest sadness or detachment.

EMOTIONS IN THE EDIT

In post-production, sound design, music, and editing further enhance emotional impact. Music scores can heighten emotional moments by aligning with the narrative’s emotional arc– it's perhaps the most powerful tool to make an audience feel. Editing techniques, such as pacing and rhythm, can build tension or create relief. Juxtaposing scenes and timing emotional beats precisely can guide the audience’s emotions, making moments of resolution or heartbreak pack more of a punch.

By blending these elements, filmmakers can effectively evoke emotions, creating unforgettable cinematic experiences.


#FilmTheory #VideoEssay #Filmmaking

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♬ SONGS USED:

"Insane in the Brain" - Cypress Hill
"Call Me Joker" - Hildur Guðnadóttir
"Journalistic Instinct" - Kyle Dixon
"Magnolia" - Jon Brion
"Home Score" - Todd Rundgren
"Stick to the Plan" - Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross
"When She Loved Me" - Randy Newman/Sarah McLachlan
"1931" - Flanders Philharmonic Orchestra
"Future Bill & Ted Leave" - David Newman
"Adolf Einleitung in Cheek" - Michael Giacchino
"Remember Me" - Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez
"Shawshank Redemption" - Thomas Newman
"Woody’s Dream" - Randy Newman
"Valuable Property" - Randy Newman
"Love Me Some Walking" - Nigel Godrich
"Theme from Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" - Jon Brion
"Smile" - Nat King Cole

Music by Artlist ► https://utm.io/umJx
Music by MusicBed ► http://bit.ly/2Fnz9Zq

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