Prisoners scene analysis

Prisoners-

At the beginning of the clip at 0:03 high key lighting is used. This shows the audience that the diner is relaxed and that it is a well-lit open space. We know this a high key lighting means the audience can clearly see the surroundings. This suggests that the diner is a safe place to be as it is very bright.

At 0:11 seconds into the clip the waitress approaches the main character, detective Loki, who is played by Jake Gyllenhaal. The mise-en-scene at this moment shows the audience there may be danger approaching. This is because the colour red is over used. The waitress’ apron is red, the chairs are red and there is also red décor at the diner for example the straws on the table.

While in the diner the main character receives a message over the radio to which he responds rapidly. He gets into his car at 1:11 in the clip. This is where the cinematographer uses chiaroscuro lighting.  This is when half of something, for example an actor’s face is lit, and the other remains in darkness. The cinematographer does this to cause mystery and distress, as the audience cannot see the facial expressions of the actor.

Throughout the clip you can see and hear thunder, lightning and rain. This is a good use of diegetic sound as the audience can see the lightning and rain on the screen. 

Not long after a long shot is used. At 1:36 of the clip we see a stationary motor home from the detectives prospective. We can tell this is a long shot as you can see the whole of the vehicle and the majority of its surroundings. This shot stays like this for around 4 seconds.

Low key lighting is used again at 2:59 as only the only mean of light comes from flashlights the police are using. This causes a tense feeling for the audience as we are unaware of what may happen next due to the fact we cannot see very clearly. This continues to when detective Loki enters the vehicle and approaches the driver at 3:26 in the clip. This is used to create an uneasy atmosphere, as it causes mystery and keeps the audience in suspense.

From 1 minute and 50 seconds until the end of the of the clip the mise-en-scene shows cold, neutral tones. This is because the colour of the background and other things in the scene are blue, for example the sirens on the police cars. This could reference the killer’s feelings and emotions. As suggested from his facial expressions, as he remains neutral when asked the question of “Where he buried the girls?” He does not answer and remains cool (like the colour blue), therefore suggesting he has not remorse.

After viewing this clip, it is very easy to tell that it is a horror/ thriller film. We can tell this because of the conventions used throughout. Some of the conventions associated with a horror and some thriller films are, an obvious killer or monster, a victim, low key lighting, and very secluded spaces, as we can see the petrol station is. Thunder and lightning can also be a convention for the horror or thriller genre due to the way it makes the audience feel.

Component of Sound

Jaws

 Sound is a key element in the film jaws as it sets the tone of the entire film and emphasis the actual shark attack scenes where It is used.

The sound in this clip is non diegetic as it is not sourced from the screen and is added for a special effect, for example a dramatic effect, which helps set the mood of the film. This works well in this film as the sound that is added really does create a dramatic feel and does help set a sturdy mood for the whole film.

The sound from jaws makes me feel very anxious as the music seems to go on for ages even though in reality it is only a few seconds. I constantly felt like I was on the edge of my seat as it made me feel as though I wanted to watch more to see what would happen when the music stops, as well as making me feel as though I wanted to stop and turn away because it was so intense as it is never certain whether the shark will get another victim.

The sound compliments the visuals of the film as when the music Is played the audience always knows when the shark is around. It causes a build up just before the shark is seen on screen and just as the shark begins to attack its prey. The sound almost sounds like a heart beat as well and this helps the film as we know while the victim is being attacked their heartbeat would be through the roof. It almost mimics the audience as while watching the film the audience would have a raised heart rate as they would feel panicked and alert as to where or when the shark would pop up next.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnCqezlaDVs

Component of Lighting

The Conjuring-

In the Conjuring the cinematographer uses low key lighting to show the audience it is a horror film. This is because low key lighting is used to create a dark, mysterious atmosphere, as this is a maim convention of horror films.

You can see this film is a horror film as the use of low-key lighting in this movie which was full of the use of deep shadows and was mainly set at night time. Most of the light came from the sun or using the torch.

This technique made me feel very uneasy as I could hardly see anything due to the lack of light. It also made me feel quite on edge as I was constantly expecting something to jump out of the shadows to cause a jump scare. I felt like I was in the film as everything was dark and the fear of not knowing what is in front of you was so real.

This helps me understand the genre of film as I can tell straight away from the lack of light it is going to be a horror. Even when everything looks calm the lack of lighting always brings back the reality that the film is a horror due to the suspense I felt while the lighting was low.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ci3WjNJvfV8