Essex Boys Opening Scene Case Study
In the first shot of the film, we see the protagonist opening a garage door and getting in to the car we see in shot. He is seen a shadow because of the positioning of the light and how he is hidden behind some objects which are in the way of him. The only source of light is on the back wall and is a typical use of chiaroscuro lighting which is evident in most thriller films and a classic convention.
This shot establishes the other main character: Jason. This is a typical thriller shot because it reveals an enigma as towards who is this man and what is he doing standing there? We do get a little intro narrated by the protagonist and that sets up what is going to happen for the rest of the film.
In this shot we see the protagonist and Jason in the car going through Dartford Tunnel. The reflection of the lighting on the car is foreshadowing what will come for them and suggests that they will lead a life of crime.
The long shot of the car entering the tunnel and looking down it could represent the barrel of a gun and foreshadow what the lives of the characters involved are going to embark on.
This classic POV mirror shot is also a well constructed shot because it shows Jason and a guy he obviously knew having a scramble and is shot from the POV of the protagonist in the front of the van. This allows us as the audience to learn and pick up on things about this character as well as him chucking acid into the unsuspecting mans face.
Reflecting basic understanding of some generic aspects of mise-en-scene.
ReplyDeleteNext steps:
1) Develop your analysis by taking careful notes in class.
2) Avoid generalisations for example you say...
You say….The only source of light is on the back wall and is a typical use of chiaroscuro lighting which is evident in most thriller films and a classic convention…....
Instead say something like, the director establishes the film as a noir thriller by using chiaroscuro lighting in the establishing shot in the garage. This is visually appealing whilst also adding a sense of menace to the mise-en-scene.
3) Check your case studies carefully to identify carelessness. For example you say.....This is a typical thriller shot because it reveals an enigma as towards who is this man ...
Well done for identifying the generic convention of enigma but your sentence doesn't make sense.