Spielberg: How to Introduce Characters

Рет қаралды 350,434

7 жыл бұрын

A look into director Steven Spielberg's entire filmography, examining how he effectively introduces memorable characters through use of Action & Fraction.
Patreon: www.patreon.com/entertaintheelk
Twitter: @entertaintheelk
Instagram: @adamtinius
Website - www.entertaintheelk.com
FILMS IN THIS VIDEO:
The Adventures of Tintin
A.I. Artificial Intelligence
Close Encounters of the Third Kind
The Dark Knight
Duel
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Hook
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Jaws
Jurassic Park
Kramer vs. Kramer
Minority Report
No Country for Old Men
Psycho
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Saving Private Ryan
Schindler’s List
Scream
War of the Worlds
MISC. MEDIA IN THIS VIDEO:
Futurama - "The Devil's Hands are Idle Playthings"
Bridge of Spies - Behind the Scenes B-Roll
MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
Black Heat by Ross Bugden - Music is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Link: • ♩♫ Intense and Upbeat ...
New York, 1924 by Ross Bugden - Music is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Link: • ♩♫ Upbeat Jazz Music ♪...

Пікірлер: 498

@dj_bullets7106 6 жыл бұрын

Read in an interview once where Spielberg said he considered the last 10 minutes of E.T. his greatest work as a director. And I have to agree.

@KevyNova 3 жыл бұрын

I agree too, but I’d say 15 minutes. The last 15 has one piece of music conducted by John Williams uninterrupted. It’s cinema at its finest.

@johncaudill9782 2 жыл бұрын

@@KevyNova Fun fact: Spielberg told Williams to turn off the projector for the last sequence and just conduct the orchestra. He later went back and reedited the end of the film to the music-the result is the ballet like movement of the scene and the perfect marriage of picture and music.

@KevyNova 2 жыл бұрын

@@johncaudill9782 yup! I’ve seen Williams perform the entire piece with a giant movie screen behind the orchestra showing the final 15 minutes of the film. Spielberg came out and told that story.

@serio_0576 7 жыл бұрын

I heard the elk sound and freaked out, was not expecting a velociraptor.

@EntertainTheElk 7 жыл бұрын

Serio _0 I gotta keep you guys on your toes!! ;)

@theguardian8317 7 жыл бұрын

I think real Elk callings are way scarier than the sounds they use for Raptors in Jurassic Park

@daniel_netzel 7 жыл бұрын

Excellent stuff! Spielberg is the man, no doubt about it. I'd say my favorite is Raiders, followed very closely by Jaws and Close Encounters.

@EntertainTheElk 7 жыл бұрын

Film Radar Thanks! I still haven't seen Close Encounters all the way through. I've loved the bits I've seen.

@Theomite 6 жыл бұрын

Sorry, but I gotta go with JAWS first, then RAIDERS.

@ozbrad 6 жыл бұрын

Close Encounter number one for me but he's had so many great movies

@dj_bullets7106 6 жыл бұрын

It's a tie between Jaws and E.T. for me. With Raiders and Close Encounters in the top 4

@levarmitchell3962 6 жыл бұрын

Film Radar Raiders is one of the most beautifully directed films of all time.

@TheBlaqros3 6 жыл бұрын

Crazy thing about this video was I saw every one of spielberg's movies as a kid and didnt know nothing about film and my heart was still throbbing watching those scenes again as an adult. I never really thought of his way of introduction to a character. Thank you for this video! Jurassic Park still makes me hold my breathe when you see the water and the thunder from the T-rex approaching.

@EntertainTheElk 6 жыл бұрын

So glad you enjoyed the video! :)

@adny02 6 жыл бұрын

"For example in Scream, all fear vanishes once the killer's mask comes off and we find they're just boys underneath." EXACTLY the reason why I don't consider Kylo Ren scary at all in The Force Awakens.

@siddharthtyagi6128 5 жыл бұрын

Yeah this happens a lot of time in horror movies, I think Signs has one of the best villain introduced just like Jaws has

@David-tm1pk 4 жыл бұрын

Plus, he's just too handsome to be scary. Also: Logan Lucky

@martykeaton182 Жыл бұрын

That last part sounds pretty argumentative.

@TheDiscardedImage 7 жыл бұрын

Particularly liked your highlighting of Spielberg's use of what you call "fraction". There's an interesting use of it in Munich, not an object but an event, the massacre that looms over the characters, the full horror of which is gradually revealed throughout the film. Probably in the minority, but films from that era of Spielberg loom large in the memory for me. A.I. and Catch Me If You Can especially. Films where he blended the popcorn and "mature" sides of his film psyche. Plus I feel his relationship with Janusz Kamiński really blossomed in this period - whose cinematography I prefer over the DPs he worked with prior (except Vilmos Zsigmond).

@skateordie002 6 жыл бұрын

Vilmos was a genius.

@grantmalone 5 жыл бұрын

Interesting. I much prefer Spielberg's work with cinematographers like Douglas Slocombe, Allen Daviau and Vilmos Zsigmond to Janusz Kamiński. Compare the first three Indy films to the fourth. They are earthy, natural, you feel the sweat. There is artistry to it, but it feels real. With Kamiński it just too often looks artificially lit and processed. Everyone's skin glows and they often have a bleeding corona around their head, even when they are doing something mundane like sitting down to eat. Look at the drink between between Indy and Henry and compare it to the drink between Indy and Mutt. The light plays a key role in the former when the airship turns, but it looks like natural light throughout. The latter looks like the lens has been vaselined and light that rims people's faces starts to bleach and diffuse. Compare the naturalistic school scene in E.T. to the school scene in Catch Me If Can where the sun bleaches out the window and frames everyone in a heavenly glow for no particular reason. There are times for these effects but their overuse in scenes with no need for them gets tiring to me, undermines the reality of the moment and lessens their impact in other scenes where they have a purpose. It can be subtle difference but it's often there, even in the more gritty films like Munich. In earlier films, even when they were full of wonder and light like Close Encounters, suburbia still felt like suburbia and not a Turner painting. I know Spielberg likes to backlight and use atmospheric effects like smoke but I feel like other DOPs (and possibly the technology of the day) kept things grounded and not too glossy.

@oldirtygamer 7 жыл бұрын

I love the psychological aspect of how you come at discovering the filmmaking process. Again I enjoy your content keep up the good work as I'm always waiting for your next video!

@EntertainTheElk 7 жыл бұрын

Gaming Review Clan Thank you so much for the kind words. Really appreciate that.

@peterkovic2241 8 ай бұрын

GREAT video. I love the idea of introducing a character by fracture. I've never thought about it that way. Such an effective tool.

@WhiteBloggerBlackSpecs 7 жыл бұрын

My favorite fraction is the revealing of Dr. Jones in _Raiders of the Lost Ark_

@EntertainTheElk 7 жыл бұрын

White Blogger Black Specs So so good.

@WhiteBloggerBlackSpecs 7 жыл бұрын

Entertain The Elk Senpai noticed! *kawaii desu eyes*

@CyfilmsProductions 7 жыл бұрын

White Blogger Black Specs stop. please just stop.

@franciscomarius1739 6 жыл бұрын

Spielberg is a genius without a doubt, he has taught almost all the filmmakers after him.

@ElleSuko 7 жыл бұрын

This is an amazing analysis and will definitely stick with me as I develop my own characters. Thank you so much for sharing!

@EntertainTheElk 7 жыл бұрын

That's awesome! Thanks so much. Best of luck writing.

@spenser9908 6 жыл бұрын

Yeah Indy's intro in Raiders was the first thing I thought of when I saw the title of this video. So epic.

@XrockinamadeusX 7 жыл бұрын

Using fraction to add weight to objects and sounds is one of my favorite visual storytelling methods. Another great video! Thanks for the lesson.

@EntertainTheElk 7 жыл бұрын

Christopher Cowley Yay! Thank you! :)

@MichaelThomas2477 7 жыл бұрын

Well done. You have a great editing style :)

@EntertainTheElk 7 жыл бұрын

Michael Thomas Thanks so much! Really appreciate that.

@Neimonster 6 жыл бұрын

This channel reminds me of Nerdwriter1, you're like two sides of the same coin. :)

@switchingtime 7 жыл бұрын

Fantastic video. Your essays touch on more unique or unexplored topics than most video essay channels, and I appreciate that immensely. Keep up the great work, man!

@EntertainTheElk 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! Hope you subscribe so you can keep up with future videos.

@SplendidBlended 7 жыл бұрын

What a great video!! Thanks for putting this out there! I loved it.

@pussywran 7 жыл бұрын

another great video!

@EntertainTheElk 7 жыл бұрын

Shawn Barbour Thank you!!!

@2artb 7 жыл бұрын

good stuff! thanks, this was very helpful.

@schallrd1 Жыл бұрын

Every Spielberg movie is a classic with something new to appreciate and admire each time you watch one.

@flooblet 7 жыл бұрын

fantastic video mate, keep putting up shit like this and you'll have 100k subs by the end of the year

@EntertainTheElk 7 жыл бұрын

flooblet Man I hope so. Maybe I could quit my stupid day job then. :)

@ElevateL0L 3 жыл бұрын

Dude this is teaching me so much about the filming industry and what goes into it so much better than school

@PogieJoe 6 жыл бұрын

There's a reason Spielberg has become synonymous with film. And even so, in a way he's actually underrated.

@DreistStudios 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video! Great stuff!!!

@EntertainTheElk 7 жыл бұрын

DreistStudios Thank you!

@drizzlemaan 6 жыл бұрын

This channel is excellent. I like watching movies but I've never heard anyone explain how directors think and everything that goes into a film. I now have a new passion for wanting to learn more about film thanks to Entertain the Elk. Your essays are excellent, sir. Please continue making videos.

@emmanuelgonzalezcaseira9141 7 жыл бұрын

This video was fantastic man, subbed.

@EntertainTheElk 7 жыл бұрын

Awesome!!! I'll make you proud.

@chrisborgia7838 6 жыл бұрын

because of my childhood connection to it E.T. would have to be my favorite with a massive tie for second

@neftalijimenez5125 5 жыл бұрын

Found your channel this morning and have been watching your videos non stop this morning, keep making such incredible content

@EntertainTheElk 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Neftali! Glad you're enjoying the channel. :)

@Jets1713 4 жыл бұрын

Beautiful analysis

@timotheories 5 жыл бұрын

I love this video, you did such a great job highlighting one of the main reasons that Spielberg stands out from the crowd. I personally think he is one of the best directors to this day, because he is a character director first and builds up his narratives second. Thanks for making this.

@EntertainTheElk 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

@cliche4346 7 жыл бұрын

I've lost count of how many times I've seen Saving Private Ryan. It is my all time favorite movie and I don't think any other movie can compare to it. Good stuff.

@EntertainTheElk 7 жыл бұрын

Cliché Such a damn good movie.

@MarcParisel 5 жыл бұрын

Wow I love the analysis. Very nice to follow and grounded, I loved ready player one with all the building characters among....all others. Spielberg has so many nice technics that make his movie being natural.... one of a kind and always a source of inspiration when it comes to creativity

@ic9778 3 жыл бұрын

Another great director who knows how to introduce characters and how to characterize them is Robert Zemeckis. Marty, Doc. Brown, Biff Tannen, George McFly and Mr. Strickland in Back to the future, Eddie Valiant in Who framed Roger Rabbit?, Forrest Gump in Forrest Gump and Whip Whitaker in Flight. (Yeah, Back to the future has a lot of great characterized characters).

@damyzs 7 жыл бұрын

I love your content. You're like a hidden gem, your content is informative, engaging and also easy to digest. It's a perfect blend

@EntertainTheElk 7 жыл бұрын

Dammy Wow thank you so much! :)

@Robert-zx2ir 6 жыл бұрын

This video is sensational! Spielberg is the master of character introductions as well as the master of all things film directing. I’ve noticed how a lot of villains are introduced in larger-than-life ways such as Darth Vader in A New Hope, Mark Hamill Joker in Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (my Favorite Batman movie), The Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz, the animated Cruella DeVille (made great use of fraction introduction as it showed her speeding to Roger and Anita’s Home in her red car and her spider-like silhouette approaching the door as Roger sings “she’s like a spider waiting for the kill”), 6-year-old Michael Myers in 1978’s Halloween (director John Carpenter shows fractions of his hands grabbing the kitchen knife, clown mask and killing his sister Judith and he’s not revealed physically until his dad takes his mask off outside). That proverb “First impressions are the most lasting” is very true to storytelling and filmmaking. I couldn’t agree more. Excellent video. My favorite Spielberg Films are Jaws followed by E.T. and Jurassic Park.

@EntertainTheElk 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much! I'm glad you enjoyed the video. :)

@carolannecollins5194 6 жыл бұрын

Really well constructed and comprehensive. Educational, very interesting and well made!

@geomfilms 7 жыл бұрын

Very well put together video. Spielberg knew what he was doing and he did it great. Thanks for video.

@EntertainTheElk 7 жыл бұрын

GeoMFilms Thank you!!

@iWearCapesIRL 6 жыл бұрын

Brilliant video as always!

@EntertainTheElk 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@WhirlOmar 5 жыл бұрын

I love your channel! So inspiring, educational, and entertaining.

@davidphoto2368 6 жыл бұрын

Very nicely done. Well presented, and informative. I really appreciate the way you analyze and explain the techniques of the master filmmakers.

@EntertainTheElk 6 жыл бұрын

davidphoto2368 Thanks so much!

@SceneOfAction 6 жыл бұрын

so great. thanks for the fantastic analysis!

@EntertainTheElk 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it.

@VesaGuardian 6 жыл бұрын

Excellent work! My favorite Spielberg film is Close encounters of the third kind. For some unknown reason I also like 1941 a lot...

@TheActualNuttmegger 7 жыл бұрын

Hi Mr Elk, Really love your content! The mix of nostalgia for good media and your delivery of accessible but intriguing analysis is good stuff! If you are ever stuck for an idea, examining the character development moments of 'found faith' would be a stirring episode to see! Keep doing what you are doing.

@nickolaibrowne 5 жыл бұрын

fantastic video, subbed

@movies-acloserlook3193 5 жыл бұрын

Loved your video, liked the way you have described everything.

@threecompany5339 6 жыл бұрын

Really well made video essay. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you for putting this online. New subscriber.

@EntertainTheElk 6 жыл бұрын

Awesome! I'll make you proud.

@hossfilm7971 6 жыл бұрын

Loved this. I'm a very visual person. So it's nice to have this broken down with the visual references. I believe it's these little illustrations and well written books that help my craft. Thank you.

@EntertainTheElk 6 жыл бұрын

HeartlessGentleman Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it. :)

@pulkit1612 5 жыл бұрын

Great video.Keep it coming!

@vasquezg86 5 жыл бұрын

Close Encounters, E.T., and Lincoln......in no particular order......I really enjoyed this video. Thanks!

@EntertainTheElk 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!

@MrVariant 7 жыл бұрын

amazing how much info can be received in a story

@ladytkitchen534 3 жыл бұрын

Amazing another great video!

@damepieper2163 5 жыл бұрын

Great breakdown

@howardkoor2796 6 жыл бұрын

Very interesting and insightful

@pauldkamau 7 жыл бұрын

amazing.thanks for the insight

@shaekhahmed3065 6 жыл бұрын

Buddy, you are the real deal. Top notch analysis!

@mattyrossfilms 6 жыл бұрын

Really enjoyed this.

@mrcoatsworth429 7 жыл бұрын

First video of yours that I've watched. Subscribed. Also, my favorite is Jurassic Park, followed by Raiders.

@EntertainTheElk 7 жыл бұрын

Mr Coatsworth Thanks so much for subscribing! Check out my other videos and tell me what you think.

@mrcoatsworth429 7 жыл бұрын

I sure will!

@GiftJesse 4 жыл бұрын

thanks man great video

@samuel-tome 5 жыл бұрын

Loved the video! Thank you so much :)

@EntertainTheElk 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. :)

@robsmoviecollection3715 7 жыл бұрын

This was great. Very astute analysis.

@awlmediaservices 6 жыл бұрын

Excellent information. Thank you.

@EntertainTheElk 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@BouncyBounceKids 6 жыл бұрын

great video- very helpful information which applies to all forms of story telling!

@Tom_Hoppins 6 жыл бұрын

Awesome video! I love Spielberg movies! My favorite is Close Encounters of the Third Kind! Thanks for making this video. It was very informative. Definitely earned a sub!

@EntertainTheElk 6 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Thanks so much. :)

@samuelwood4039 7 жыл бұрын

Please, please, please (please) keep the videos coming! I have not one tip for improvement aside the fact that I'd simply like to see more coming. Patiently awaiting the next!

@EntertainTheElk 7 жыл бұрын

Samuel Wood Comments like this one are what encourage me to keep this up. Thank you!

@BobFlavinVideo 6 жыл бұрын

love this, great video

@EntertainTheElk 6 жыл бұрын

Bob Flavin Thank you!

@eddiearreguin4722 6 жыл бұрын

My favorite is Raiders. Followed by Jurassic Park

@emprovisemedia 6 жыл бұрын

This is my first time on your page. Instantly subscribed, I never realized these small details that help introduce characters and story. I am excited to film and implement some of these creative visuals into my next film! Thanks for the clear breakdown. Please continue making videos.

@EntertainTheElk 6 жыл бұрын

J.i Productions Love it. Thanks so much for subscribing!

@jasonom8984 6 жыл бұрын

J.i Productions check out nerdwriters channel for similar content

@THEJOHNiVERSE 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks, this is really well done.

@EntertainTheElk 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@thefrikanih7390 5 жыл бұрын

Very well explained, thank you very much! Subbed!

@timplum5698 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this well done piece. It helped me come up with some solid ideas for my story.

@EntertainTheElk 6 жыл бұрын

Great! Glad you liked it.

@MetalTalk666 6 жыл бұрын

I love it! Thank you.

@benjaminjacob3151 7 жыл бұрын

excellent and insightful video.

@EntertainTheElk 7 жыл бұрын

Benjamin Jacob Thank you so much!

@sidarthavillargarcia2154 6 жыл бұрын

Brilliant disection ando observation. Great film.class .

@EntertainTheElk 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@DuckmanSM 7 жыл бұрын

Interesting as always man, keep it up!

@EntertainTheElk 7 жыл бұрын

DuckmanSM Thank you!!

@CamerieriZeppoleMix 6 жыл бұрын

Great job at evaluation. I attended UCLA EXTENSION Cinematography classes I excitingly received an A in that class for my evaluation of Schindler's list.

@tannerofjosh 7 жыл бұрын

Loved this. Subbed!

@EntertainTheElk 7 жыл бұрын

Josh Tanner Thank you!!! I'll make you proud.

@YesManNomad 6 жыл бұрын

Wonderful and informative. I learned alot. Thank you!

@EntertainTheElk 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@SuperDPL 7 жыл бұрын

Your videos are amazing, keep up the good work, dude :)

@EntertainTheElk 7 жыл бұрын

SuperDPL Thank you so much!!!

@stickmanlover1509 7 жыл бұрын

Dude. You seriously need more subscribers! Your videos are amazing! Keep it up man ;) And my favorite Spielberg movie that I've seen is Jurassic Park.

@EntertainTheElk 7 жыл бұрын

Stickman Lover Thank you so much for the kind encouragement! I'll keep plugging away and hopefully the subs will grow in time :)

@Timmjoshi2001 7 жыл бұрын

This videos are just so awesome and interesting to watch! I love Spielberg so this is a really interesting video and a new awesome thing that I never really realized! Keep up the good work. It's fantastic ^^

@EntertainTheElk 7 жыл бұрын

Timmjoshi2001 Thank you so much!! Really appreciate the kind words.

@FranksVintage35 6 жыл бұрын

Great video! thanks for putting together such a thoughtful and compelling piece on Film Making. My favorite Spielberg movie as of late, is Schindler's list List and then Saving Private Ryan. I am studying film editing, and those two movies exemplify some awesome story telling and editing.

@EntertainTheElk 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks! :)

@Zentagon 7 жыл бұрын

Well done video as usual Elk!

@EntertainTheElk 7 жыл бұрын

Zentagon Thank you so much!!!

@Zentagon 7 жыл бұрын

No problem man! Always enjoy what you put out :)

@NicoleReneeFelbert 6 жыл бұрын

Great content! Time for me to watch Jaws again!

@CitizenKen1 5 жыл бұрын

This is excellent! It really seems like when it comes to lot of Spielberg’s work (especially his earlier work) he has a certain playfulness to his filmmaking. This is a man who understands the tools of directing so well that as he plays around with them we know it works because it’s like he let us the audience (and I can’t think of any other words to describe this) to come and play along with him. This is a real contrast to a lot of modern blockbuster and filmmakers that try to imitate him where they go dark and are taking the work so seriously they forget to have fun and it sucks the fun out for the audience as well. Filmmaking it self should be fun and fun for the audience! It’s the whole reason most of us see movies in the first place!

@EntertainTheElk 5 жыл бұрын

This comment is so right on. Spielberg understands filmmaking and cinematic language so he knows how to play with it in order to get a desired response. People who mimic Spielberg do so without understanding why he does what he does.

@theredsea9126 7 жыл бұрын

You should do more of these!!!

@EntertainTheElk 7 жыл бұрын

Gimic King Planning on it! Make sure you subscribe so you can see what I do next. :)

@theredsea9126 7 жыл бұрын

Entertain The Elk Alright Buddy!! I love these kinds of video's! Take your time! I'm always subscribed to you!

@HYSTERICK 6 жыл бұрын

great analysis and those small yet detailed use of masking!

@EntertainTheElk 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@DJRobinson 4 жыл бұрын

great job

@howardkoor2796 6 жыл бұрын

Much thanks

@nicktosti7487 7 жыл бұрын

It's extremely interesting just how often these uses occur in his films and that I hadn't noticed entirely before this video. Fantastic! One of my favorites

@EntertainTheElk 7 жыл бұрын

Nick Toss Thank you! Please subscribe so you can keep up with future EtE vids!

@nicktosti7487 7 жыл бұрын

I subscribed months ago brotha!

@1Wendymae 6 жыл бұрын

Raiders of the lost Ark but close and counters is the one that made me interested in filmmaking. Specially in cinematography. The way he moves the camera great.

@kiwidragon5352 4 жыл бұрын

Great video. Subscribed!

@EntertainTheElk 4 жыл бұрын

Welcome aboard!

@westwebb 6 жыл бұрын

Great Video!

@Zachary_Sweis 6 жыл бұрын

The Bergmeister made my favorite film of all time; Jaws. I'll watch any video about him. Very rarely are those videos great. I've just subscribbled to your channel.

@EntertainTheElk 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the subbing! I'll make you proud. :)

@MischiefMemoirs 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this amazing video 🙏🏾 I'm going to reference this when I write out the skits for my Channel 😅

@EntertainTheElk 7 жыл бұрын

Mischief Memoirs Thank you!!!

@danmoretti4808 6 жыл бұрын

Fav Spielberg movies are Indiana Jones and Munich. Thanks so much for the analysis!

@Michaelajacksonfilms 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@Moop205 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this wonderful collection! Hook and Raiders for me :) I'm inspired to review my personal story project and review how my characters are introduced

@EntertainTheElk 7 жыл бұрын

That's awesome! Maybe you've been using Action/Fraction and didn't even know it! :)