Directed by Christopher Nolan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VXkUzf1et4
[Copyright blocks us from embedding the video]
SOUND
The first sound you hear is the movies non digetic soundtrack. The music builds up the tension in the audience and acts as a sound bridge to the next scene. Twice, the digetic sound is enhanced, a common trait in thriller films. First the digetic sound of the waves is enhanced to show their importance, and the spinney top sound is enhanced also. This for grounding of the sounds tell the audience that these specific objects will be important later on in the film. The film also uses contrapuntal non digetics over the image of the happy children playing.
CAMERA
Like many thrillers, there are a lot of close ups and big close ups in this opening. This shot is common because it is the best shot to see the characters expressions.There is also a good example of eye line match [0:37 - 0:44] Using a low angle shot of the castle on the hill, the audience becomes aware of that the person in the castle is of high importance, and is of higher status than the protagonist. The camera also tracks into the spinney top, reinstating importance.
MISE EN SCENE
The setting, a beach, is normal considered tranquil, but with addition of the imposing waves [0:16 - 0:26] gives a sense of foreboding and isolation. Dom Cobb [Leonardo DiCaprio] is the protagonist and is dressed appropriately in pale colours, reinforcing his 'goodie' status. However Mr. Saito [Ken Watanabe], the rich Asian man, is dressed in black, instantly conditioning the audience to believe that he is the antagonist. We can can also tell by the setting that Mr. Saito is a man of wealth as he lives in the castle and lavishly dresses his home.
EDITING
As far as editing goes in this clip, all of the cuts are simple, straight cuts. This is odd as most thrillers use fast cuts to create pace. Nolan also uses a fade to show DiCaprio slipping in and out of a dream like state.
By Chloe Hobden
cuts can't be slow - pace is slow by having few cuts
ReplyDeleteOverall good - some good micro analysis - to get into level 4, you need to illustrate more of the points with screen grabs - as you have at the end, but what are they illustrating?. You can easily go back in and edit these in. Worth it.
ReplyDelete