THE FORCE AWAKENS TECHNIQUE FLASHCARDS
When is silhouetting used in the opening scene? – A First Order Star Destroyer eclipses a planet
What is the impact of the silhouetting? – It symbolises how the First Order casts a shadow over
peace and freedom
When is framing used? – Fin is framed tightly in early shots. Kylo Ren, by contrast, is often central
in the frame
What is the impact of the framing? – Emphasises Fin’s alienation within the ranks and Kylo’s
dominance and control
When is a handheld camera used? – During the ground battle
What is the impact of the handheld camera? – Adds a sense of realism not typical in older Star
Wars films
When is lighting used? – The First Order's entrance is marked by a contrast between the blue, cold
lighting and the warm, earthy tones of the Jakku village
What is the impact of the lighting? – It reinforces their role as antagonists
When is score used? – The opening theme tune quickly becomes tense and militaristic
What is the impact of the score? – Reflects the First Order's menace and heightens suspense
When is diegetic sound used? – The roar of troop transports, blaster fire, and the ignition of Kylo
Ren’s lightsabre
What is the impact of the lighting? – Reinforces character and tone
When is clothing colour used? – Villagers in darker colours whilst Stormtroopers wear white
creates a visual division
When are rapid cuts used? – Between lights, Stormtroopers and the fighting
When is movement used? – Kylo Ren circles Lor San Tekka on Jakku whilst he is stood still showing
their difference in personal security
How is Kylo Ren introduced? – In a silhouette, stepping from the shadows. His costume and
imposing presence recall Darth Vader, He freezes a blaster bolt mid-air, establishing him as a
powerful force user
How is Fin introduced? – His hesitation during the massacre, visible distress, immediately marks
him as morally conflicted. A bloody handprint smeared on his helmet serves as both a literal mark
and symbolic awakening
How is the theme of identity and transformation introduced? – Poe is shown as a hero, Fin as a
trooper questioning his role, and Kylo Ren as a dark-side acolyte seeking to bury his past and all
three are introduced in the single moment, suggesting interconnected paths of transformation
What references are there to the franchise? - Jakku is visually and thematically similar to Tatooine
which placing the story in familiar territory, both literally and mythologically
How is visual continuity created? – The First Order troopers are visually updated but still evoke
classic imagery. The uniform anonymity of stormtroopers is challenged immediately by FN-2187’s
bloodied helmet
How is a close-up used in Han Solo reveal scene? – Of Falcon door banging which builds tensions
How is composition used? – Places Han and Chewie at the centre, framed by the ship’s doorway,
like returning monarchs
How is score used? – Use of Star Wars theme tune when we see them, but not a full heroic blast.
Instead, there's a brief, quiet musical cue which is subtle, respectful, tinged with melancholy.
How is lighting used? – The dim, amber-hued lighting creates a cosy, nostalgic mood, reminding us
of earlier Star Wars films,
How does the ship reflect Han? – It’s messiness (wires, tools, grates) as it’s practical, unpolished,
but authentic
How are shadows used? – Han is first shown in silhouette as the Falcon’s ramp opens, the
audience recognizes him before the characters do, creating suspense and reverence
How is acting used? – Han hesitates slightly when he says, “Chewie… we’re home.”
What does Han’s acting show? – A flicker of emotion – both pride and pain, and a reclaiming of
identity
How is camera movement used? – The camera moves through the familiar corridors of the Falcon,
grounding viewers in nostalgia. Han enters his space, and it feels like a homecoming
How is symbolism used? – The Falcon is more than a ship, it’s a symbol of freedom, rebellion, and
legacy. Han’s presence connects the old guard to the new heroes. He mentors Rey and Finn in
subtle ways, with this moment marking the transition
What is the thematic function of the scene? – It sets up Rey and Finn as successors to Han’s rogue-
hero archetype
How is silence used in Han’s death scene? – Kylo and Han talk, emphasising the importance and
building tensions
What does Han’s long walk show? – To Kylo shows his isolation and vulnerability
When is silhouetting used in the opening scene? – A First Order Star Destroyer eclipses a planet
What is the impact of the silhouetting? – It symbolises how the First Order casts a shadow over
peace and freedom
When is framing used? – Fin is framed tightly in early shots. Kylo Ren, by contrast, is often central
in the frame
What is the impact of the framing? – Emphasises Fin’s alienation within the ranks and Kylo’s
dominance and control
When is a handheld camera used? – During the ground battle
What is the impact of the handheld camera? – Adds a sense of realism not typical in older Star
Wars films
When is lighting used? – The First Order's entrance is marked by a contrast between the blue, cold
lighting and the warm, earthy tones of the Jakku village
What is the impact of the lighting? – It reinforces their role as antagonists
When is score used? – The opening theme tune quickly becomes tense and militaristic
What is the impact of the score? – Reflects the First Order's menace and heightens suspense
When is diegetic sound used? – The roar of troop transports, blaster fire, and the ignition of Kylo
Ren’s lightsabre
What is the impact of the lighting? – Reinforces character and tone
When is clothing colour used? – Villagers in darker colours whilst Stormtroopers wear white
creates a visual division
When are rapid cuts used? – Between lights, Stormtroopers and the fighting
When is movement used? – Kylo Ren circles Lor San Tekka on Jakku whilst he is stood still showing
their difference in personal security
How is Kylo Ren introduced? – In a silhouette, stepping from the shadows. His costume and
imposing presence recall Darth Vader, He freezes a blaster bolt mid-air, establishing him as a
powerful force user
How is Fin introduced? – His hesitation during the massacre, visible distress, immediately marks
him as morally conflicted. A bloody handprint smeared on his helmet serves as both a literal mark
and symbolic awakening
How is the theme of identity and transformation introduced? – Poe is shown as a hero, Fin as a
trooper questioning his role, and Kylo Ren as a dark-side acolyte seeking to bury his past and all
three are introduced in the single moment, suggesting interconnected paths of transformation
What references are there to the franchise? - Jakku is visually and thematically similar to Tatooine
which placing the story in familiar territory, both literally and mythologically
How is visual continuity created? – The First Order troopers are visually updated but still evoke
classic imagery. The uniform anonymity of stormtroopers is challenged immediately by FN-2187’s
bloodied helmet
How is a close-up used in Han Solo reveal scene? – Of Falcon door banging which builds tensions
How is composition used? – Places Han and Chewie at the centre, framed by the ship’s doorway,
like returning monarchs
How is score used? – Use of Star Wars theme tune when we see them, but not a full heroic blast.
Instead, there's a brief, quiet musical cue which is subtle, respectful, tinged with melancholy.
How is lighting used? – The dim, amber-hued lighting creates a cosy, nostalgic mood, reminding us
of earlier Star Wars films,
How does the ship reflect Han? – It’s messiness (wires, tools, grates) as it’s practical, unpolished,
but authentic
How are shadows used? – Han is first shown in silhouette as the Falcon’s ramp opens, the
audience recognizes him before the characters do, creating suspense and reverence
How is acting used? – Han hesitates slightly when he says, “Chewie… we’re home.”
What does Han’s acting show? – A flicker of emotion – both pride and pain, and a reclaiming of
identity
How is camera movement used? – The camera moves through the familiar corridors of the Falcon,
grounding viewers in nostalgia. Han enters his space, and it feels like a homecoming
How is symbolism used? – The Falcon is more than a ship, it’s a symbol of freedom, rebellion, and
legacy. Han’s presence connects the old guard to the new heroes. He mentors Rey and Finn in
subtle ways, with this moment marking the transition
What is the thematic function of the scene? – It sets up Rey and Finn as successors to Han’s rogue-
hero archetype
How is silence used in Han’s death scene? – Kylo and Han talk, emphasising the importance and
building tensions
What does Han’s long walk show? – To Kylo shows his isolation and vulnerability
