The Rock Exract

Camera shots of The Rock extract

Shot	Explanation
1	There is a stationary mid close up shot of the people which makes us focus on dialogue and makes us feel part of the action, drawing us closer. We are also permitted to see the characters facial expressions and therefore read emotion clearer but also see body language. The camera is placed low down and produces a low angle shot which makes us see the action of both the car and the people running behind it giving it an odd, inharmonious feel as we do not see the action fully. There is a still panning shot where we get an angle of all the cars coming but we are unable to see all of the action, adding much tension and suspense.
2	The camera is a low angle of the man while he is rushing past all the people. This type of shot is used to make him appear like he is superior, high status and important to the film or action scene.  It also makes the other people appear more innocent and irrelevant to the film as their faces are not really shown in as much detail as we see the main character of the action. The fact that the camera is so close to all the other people creates a trapped feeling, and makes us feel like we are part of the crowd connecting us to the film action.
3	Due to the low angle camera shot, we are unable to get an overview of the action which leaves us agitated and creates an increasing sense of tension to see clearly what is happening and why the character is getting chased. The camera is right in the action which attaches us to the character as we follow their action.  We see a lot of his foot when he’s running which creates an increasing sense of pace and action, especially when the car speeds off.
4	We finally get an overview of the action with a high angle camera, making the action clearer, but can also give the audience some sense of superiority when watching as everyone appears smaller, drawing them closer. The camera rapidly cuts between different angles and positions, making action appear speedier but also gives an exciting feel when watching. There is also parallel editing, where there is one shot to another with different content in the frame.  The camera follows closely behind the car, creating an unrealistic view point and we follow more of the action.
5	The track of the car gives us an intimate feel as we follow the car, but we also get a sense of speed.  The camera cuts from the action coming towards us with a straight cut to the action going away from us.  This scene also empathises the feeling of fast paced action, creating danger.
6	The audience see the action from one view point as the camera is inside the car, creating more intimacy and makes us feel like we are part of the action. We also get a sense of speed as the camera appears to be shaking, making the action appear speedy and aggressive.  The camera is an extreme close of the man’s facial expressions,  allowing us to clearly see his facial expressions but also oddly zooms in and out of his face, creating a sense of unease and discomfort because we don’t get to see him clearly.  This shot inside the car makes audience feel connected and gives the opportunity for audience to feel less dizzy from all the fast paced action outside.
7	There is frequent cutting which heightens the sense of action, danger and tension.   We get a series of low and mid angle shots when we see the cars jumping up and down from the hill to emphasise the fast action but also makes adrenaline of audience go up as we excited to know what’s going to happen next. The camera is placed where no person would realistically be, as we also view the action again from a low angle when the car comes down, making it appear extremely jumpy wobbly, therefore empathises danger/speed.
8	The camera movement once again appears extremely wobbly and almost out of focus when we zoom in on his face, showing speed. However, this time it appears even shakier as we get close to the climax of the action, continuing to heighten the emotions.

Mise En Scene of 'Phantom of the Opera'

Write a technical analysis of the mise en scene at the beginning of Phantom of the Opera

At the beginning of the first seen we are introduced to a black and white scene which paints a much industrialised setting and brings us back to the olden days.  The detailed close-up shot of the men wearing gloves and boots illustrate that it’s set on a cold winter, but perhaps adds mystery as we have not been introduced to any of the characters faces, creating a tense atmosphere.  As they enter the building, the first shot we are introduced to is dirty, ruined and bats seem to be flying. This creates the feeling that the place is isolated and the black and white colours further reinforce an eerie atmosphere which brings apprehension or suspicion to the audience watching. We can also see the bright light coming in through the windows which illustrates a sense of hope and that there might be something positive wanting to break through the damaged surrounding. The props which are left lying around the building such as ladders for costume designing and the lights may hint that they may be something glamorous about the place, or that’s about to happen, creating mystery.
Furthermore, the costumes which the characters are wearing seem quite formal as one of the men is wearing a tall black hat with a cloak and the women, who also wearing a hat with veil and long dress.  This could be use to illustrate prosperity and the grandiose building is further showing this but because it appears really damaged this is creating confusion and suspicion to audience.   Moreover, the shot of the monkey statue appears like a close-up shot which the camera lens slowly zooms in to create significance that it has, and the voice over builds up the tension on wanting to find out more. The tone of music because eerie as it focuses on the object, adding curiosity and suspicion to those watching. At around 4.47, when the camera is on the man speaking and about to reveal what’s underneath the cloth, the light is focusing on him but his surrounding is dark and it seems to be flickering quite a lot, building tension.
As soon as the cloth is revealed there is a rapid shot of lights which are almost blinding, foreshadowing that what’s about to be shown would contrast the previous scene of dismal, moody atmosphere.  The dominance of white along with eccentric music creates the feeling that the whole place is washing out and turning into something magnificent. Just as the wind is blowing on all the possessions and pieces of furniture they become garnished in dazzling gold and red colours. This symbolises royalty and the alluring glamour of the scene which completely contrast from the last scene and draws the audience in.  All the statues that were full of cobwebs before transformed into these gold pieces of architecture which now look very expensive.  In the final moments of the opening, the sky appears pink and baby blue and the building looks a lot more bright than before, demonstrating a change which feels exciting, and the dramatic music helps us to feel that. The characters are all wearing extraordinary costume and very dramatized stage make up which create an energetic and budding atmosphere and makes audience livened up, contrasting from before where it was all moody and dark with no emotions. The opening is effective as it makes audience excited for what’s to come by all the fascinating props, building, make-up, etc.  The parallel sound at the end is upbeat and has a lively orchestral feel to it which creates an exciting atmosphere, contrasting from the dullness before.  

Sound Introduction


 

Type	What is it?	What effect can it have?	Example
Diegetic Sound	Sound that is visible on screen and present in the action of the film	Creates a more normal and realistic effect where people can follow what’s going on easier.	Two people having a conversation facing each other in a 2 shot.
Non-Diegetic Sound	Sound which is not seen or visible in the action of the film but has been added in the editing process	Adds a more of a dramatic impact, such as eliciting a mysterious, tense atmosphere	Sound effects being added for impact, mood music, narrators commentary to inform others
On-screen Sound	The person speaking in the scene is seen talking	More realistic sense of feel and we feel more connected to them as we can see their facial expressions and body language, clearly showing how they feel	A conversation between two people on the phone and we see the person talking  and responding to them
Off screen Sound	We can hear the actor talk but we cannot see them	This creates some dramatic impact because we can hear them talk but can’t see their face adding a sense of curiosity.	The person is in the other room talking but we cannot see them
Sound Bridge	Sound from one scene will continue into or over the next scene.The actual scene may change but the sound may still be present from previous scene	This can introduce us to characters if we hear them talk at the beginning but cannot see them. It also makes scenes flow and make us follow along easily, otherwise sound would appear interrupted and appear unnatural	If two people are talking on the phone and we see on screen person 1 reacting while person 2 is still talking. Although we cant see them we can hear them
Foley track	This is added to the sound editing process. It is sound being related to peoples movements	This can make scenes more captivating and draws us even more. They can be effective to build tension or make scene more realistic	For example a banging sound after someone is knocking on the door or footsteps
Parallel Sound  (synchronous)	Sound we hear matches what we actually see, for example a happy scene and melodic, upbeat sound in background	This makes scene more realistic and makes audience experience a particular atmosphere such as sadness if music is on a low, depressing key	For example in a comedy where uprising and uplifting sound is used to make someone feel happier and convey the comedic atmosphere
Contrapuntal Sound (asynchronous)	Sound we hear does not match what we actually see on screen	Contrapuntal sound can create many effects such as humor, satire and even a sense of hope to the situation	For example we see a depressing scene but happy music is being played

Max Payne Extract

Shot number	Technique used	Effect of technique
1	Film opening- 20th Century Fox, establishes scene of movie.	motif, well known, people can easily recognise it
2	Diegetic sound of whistling at the beginning and sound bridge + non-diegetic narration of the narrator speaking, introducing the film opening- parallel sound.	The sound bridge helps create a mystery to the opening and introduces us to the character before we have seen them i.e. we know that he is a man and that he may be somewhere dark/ cold because of the diegetic whistling sound.   The dark screen creates some tension and creates a haunting effect.
3	Sudden loud outburst of the narrator drowning and diegetic sound of heavily breathing,  sound bridge	This loud sound of the narrator drowning makes us jump because of the previous scene was so quiet and dark. It draws our attention to that person and the heavy breathing foreshadow that something bad might happen to him.
4	More diegetic sound of him drowning with bubbles and muffling sound when he goes underwater.	The change between the loud breathing when he goes on top of the water and the muffling underneath the water brings tension along with the dark black and blue colors, creating juxtaposition.
5	Diegetic sound of water and more water effects.	These illustrate his drowning and the bubble sounds can create a feeling that he is swallowing the water which makes us suspicious that he might drown soon and makes us ask questions such as ‘why he is there’ , ‘what made him drown’ and ‘why there’s no one to help’.
6	Diegetic sound used of the person going underneath the water.	This creates dramatic effects (i.e. curiosity and fear) and the slight swooshing of the water and the bubbles show him being pulled down and going deeper which keep the audience’s eyes peeled to the screen and makes us wonder what will happen to him next.
7	Non-diegetic sound of narration and other effects.	The narration makes us feel closer to the film as it’s like the narrator is talking directly to us.  However, we do not feel very connected with the narrator through the eerie atmosphere, eliciting confusion from audience. Moreover, the sound when he’s drowning is quite sudden and deep which brings the tension up as we still don’t’ know how he ended up drowning.

                             

8	Diegetic off screen sound of the baby crying and non-diegetic sound of effects in the background added in the editing process.	The baby’s crying builds up tension as we are uncertain why its there; the yellow light also contrasts from the darkness which again adds mystery and create a sense of hope tat the scene could be cheerful. The effects of the eerie music in the background add further tension, drawing in audience’s attention.
9	More non-diegetic and diegetic shod.	The eerie music is starting to get a little sped –up which adds danger and the baby is still continuing to cry so it  makes the scene dramatic and still attracts the audience without making them feel bored.
10	Sound bridge and non-diegetic sound of narration.	The sound bridge is used as we can still hear the baby’s crying at the beginning when it’s the scene of the man crying. This makes the scenes flow more coherently and the narration still makes us feel connected with the narrator which can evoke sympathy for him.
11	Non-diegetic sound of spooky music n the background. Contrapuntal music as it seems quite spooky but he’s entering a baby’s room.	This music brings tension and as the door is opening suddenly the cry of the baby reappears which can make us feel a little confused and scared as to why there’s eerie music whilst he’s entering a baby’s room.
12	Non-Diegetic sound of mysterious tick-tocking sound and diegetic sound of wind blowing, clock- ticking sound	The sound of the clock tick-tocking brings tension along with the wind blowing, as this is happening the camera is going closer to her face.  It also creates a sense of urgency to the scene as if he is being chased and discomfort, like a bomb about to explode.  It also could be a symbol for going back in time, through a flashback, adding to the suspicion of the scene. We also feel scared because women is lying there and we get the impression that she’s dead because the dark room and the woodwind sound creates that fearful feeling.
13	Non-diegetic sound of clock.	The clock is continuing to tick-tock so we get the impression that time is running out of something. We keep a close-up shot of his face which is quite sad so makes the audience feel the same mood.
14	Non-diegetic sound of violent wind blowing/ other effects.	This creates tension as suddenly more violent and loud music/effects are appearing in sudden outbursts and this drawn us in even more and adds more effect so it’s not boring. This is effective in a film as it takes the audience on a journey, making us feel different feelings such as fearfulness.
15	Diegetic sound and sound bridge of police car siren which is in the next scene.	The pitch black darkness of the screen along with the very low tone of sound adds a great amount of tension which feels as though something may jump in front of the screen like a horror movie. The police siren shows that help may be on the way but the darkness creates a feeling that the man may already be dead.
16	Diegetic sound	The siren gets even louder as the established shot of the building ‘One Week Earlier’ appears and then slightly fades, showing time frame.