Realism and Formalism

Realism and Formalism are two distinct styles of filmmaking. A realist film looks at issues as they are likely to happen in real life. Whereas, a Formalist film uses techniques to produce a film, purely for entertainment purposes, that does not convey life as it happens.

One technique that marks a huge difference between the two forms of film is the use of music tracks and non-diegetic sound. In a formalist film you will frequently hear music tracks of a certain style trying to create a certain effect. For example, a song with a high tempo may be used in an action film or a slow melodic song might be used in a romance film. Sound effects are used repeatedly in formalist films to create tension or any other effect that is relevant to the plot of the film. Realist films try and use only sound that occurs in within the filming, not added on in the editing process. This creates, as the name of the style suggests, a realistic and believable film.

Another big difference in technique is the framing of the shots themselves. In a formalist film experimental shot angles and lengths are often used to create a certain feeling. E.g. a low angle shot on a character wold be used in a formalist film to make the person seem more powerful. On the other hand, in a realist film, shots are used to emulate what a person within a scene would actually be seeing. Long takes a are commonly used in realist films which is very different from the quick, jump cuts used in formalist films.

Realist films are often in realtime- things happen in the amount of time they would in real life- unlike formalist films which often jump to another place in time without covering what has happen bet

ween those two points. In a formalist film, usually, everything included is relevant to the plot and helps to create the feeling the director wants to construct.

A good

example of a realist film

is Vera Drake. the film follows the film of abortion.

An example of a formalist film series is Star Wars.