Question

Some filmmakers favor a realist approach to a movie, others prefer a more formalist perspective. Which of the following statements best describes the difference between a realist approach and a formalist perspective in filmmaking?

1) A realist approach focuses on portraying events and characters realistically, while a formalist perspective emphasizes artistic expression and experimentation.
2) A realist approach uses natural lighting and locations, while a formalist perspective relies on artificial lighting and sets.
3) A realist approach prioritizes narrative structure and storytelling techniques, while a formalist perspective prioritizes visual aesthetics and technical aspects of filmmaking.
4) A realist approach aims to capture the essence of reality, while a formalist perspective aims to create a subjective and imaginative experience for the audience.

Answer 1

The realist approach in filmmaking aims for authenticity and relatable narratives, while the formalist perspective focuses on artistic expression and experimentation, prioritizing style and technique.

Step-by-step explanation:

The difference between a realist approach and a formalist perspective in filmmaking is seminal in understanding the varied techniques and aims of directors. Statement 1) explains that a realist approach focuses on portraying events and characters realistically, aiming for authenticity in the representation of human relations and emotions, similar to the works of Realist authors like Mark Twain and William Dean Howells, who grounded their stories in reality and the everyday struggles of plausible, relatable characters.

Conversely, a formalist perspective is more interested in artistic expression and experimentation. This viewpoint emphasizes style, technique, and sometimes non-linear storytelling, focusing on elements such as camera angles, editing, and sound, often to create a unique, subjective, and imaginative experience for the audience.