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Wednesday, November 21, 2007
X-MEN Textual Analysis
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8 comments:
Anonymous
said...
(oh great, mines the first one -_-)
Eve Lambert
Xmen - The Last Stand - Camera, Sound and Editing
The clip starts with a extreme long shot of Golden Gate Bridge, In San Francisco, establishing where the scene is, and suggesting that the bridge is going to be the centre of the action . It is well-known so the audience can relate to it easily. A mid-shot on the bridge, with cars going by, shows the everyday normality of what’s happening in the scene. We are shown close ups a family driving in a car along the bridge, set up as characters for the audience to relate to, showing everything is alright and normal. The sound is calm, just the wind and sound of cars, no music or non-diegetic sounds. This makes the audience feel unsettled as they don’t know what is going to happen, but suggests that something is going to change. A long shot of the bridge shows all the cars along the bridge swerve and stop. The sound is just of metal grinding and screech of brakes, the first sign of something wrong happening. We hear sound of people asking ‘what’s happening?’ showing that the characters are confused, and this makes the audience feel confused and uncertain too. A close up of the mother shows her looking up, in shock, and a use of continuity editing shows what she’s looking at; screws being released from the posts supporting the bridge, with the sound of clinking metal. Long shots show what’s happening along the bridge as people start to panic, we hear screams and calls. Short duration editing between different characters shows their reactions and present the confusion and panic happening amongst the people, relating the audience to the characters. The music only comes in as the bad characters enter the scene, a long shot shows them walking down the centre of the bridge in formation, dramatic and threatening music, to suggest that now something bad is going to happen now they have arrived. Magneto walks in front, with close ups of him looking threatening, emphasising his importance, and long shots showing him walking away from the others, with them out of focus to centralise on him. It stays focused on a close up of him, sound going quiet to create anticipation of what is going to happen next. He holds out his hand, like he’s pointing and concentrating on something and a continuity edit shows us what he’s doing, cutting us to a wide shot of the leg of the bridge breaking off. There is then a high shoot from above Magneto, almost establishing his surrounding as the ropes snap, which swoops down, with a metallic swooping sound to match the camera movement, to a low shot below him, showing him as powerful and dominant. There is a close up of the moving bridge coming towards the screen, engaging the audience in the action, then to an extreme long shot of the entire scene, showing the whole effect of what is happening, much like the beginning shot to show a comparison between normality and the chaos that is now happening. We are then shown a Birds Eye View shot looking down on the people on the bridge, screaming and panicking, showing them as small and vulnerable. We see that the bridge is moving, with a POV type shot of the bridge heading off across the water, and then a long shot of an island, to show where the bridge is going. To establish this, the bridge moves in from behind the frame into the screen, again engaging the audience in the action. POV shots are used to show the sight from character’s views to make it seem more realistic as the audience can relate to it, and from land to show how amazing and impossible the sight is compared to normality. A high shot shows Army soldiers looking up in shot as the shadow moves over them, showing that not even the Armed Forces can help. Magneto, riding on the flying bridge, is shown as god-like from a low angle against the blue sky background, his posture with hands held up shows him as superior and powerful. When the bridge has arrived at the island, the music changes to more powerful, business-like drum beats to show that the bad characters are here for a reason and want to get to work. A long shot is used, starting from below the characters feet on the bridge, to over their heads to establish the building they are facing, showing the transition from the bridge to the island building.
The mise – en – scene contains the San Francisco Bridge and the landscape surrounding it. By using a well known site the audience is more likely to sympathise with the situation and because the bridge is so large this allows for more destruction and impact. By using an extreme long shot as the first camera shot in the scene the director successfully establishes the setting. Point of view shots are used extremely effectively throughout the clip. Firstly from the mother’s outlook, she is placed as our eyes. Every time we see a shot of her the camera follows through her eye line and we are alerted to the fact that some sort of danger is about to occur for example parts of the bridge slowly coming apart. Point of view shots are used to show the destruction of the bridge, we see the perspectives of people on opposite sides of the bridge and a person who is inside a building. The director has chosen to do this because the special effect that is being used is so amazing and on such a large scale that he wants to make the most of it and for the audience to feel the full impact. A close up of a satellite is used to show the bridge swing across to Alcatraz, we then see mid shots of people inside the building who are watching this on the screen and their terrified expressions. This is then coupled with the music which suddenly becomes more sorrowful and sombre. The audience take this as a sign that all are doomed. At one point the camera cuts to an overhead shot; this reduces the camera angle, which makes the people seem far smaller. The way in which the hysterical people are running around makes them look almost insect like, showing how vulnerable and easy to crush they are. An extreme long shot is again used to make the collapsing bridge seem as if it is coming out of the screen towards the audience, making it seem more realistic. This technique is often used in action adventure films. Magneto is clearly established as the villain from the offset. He is wearing black connoting signs of evil and one of the first shots that we see of him is from a low angle shot looking up at him representing him in a position of power. There are extreme close ups on Magneto and the camera tracks backwards away from him. This to portray two things: he is controlling the camera or the ‘camera’ is backing away through fear. When there are close ups of Magneto he is centre frame and the background is blurred, showing he’s the character of importance at the time. Magneto appears to be tiny when he is standing on top of the bridge however; he’s still in power as he is controlling the movement this is signified by the movements of his hand and the matching of the destruction and movement of bridge. Epic music also sets in when the group of villains are seen in full force, showing them to have the role of power. Continuity editing is used throughout, it meets the audience’s expectations and all shots run onto each other in order. Quick cuts and blurs are used when the car crashes occur which creates confusion for the audience. At the beginning of the scene the audience can hear the wind and other calming sounds. It’s slightly disorientating and the fact that there is no non – diegetic sound is unsettling. A metallic screeching occurs every time a something takes place because of the supernatural powers, this sound is almost attributed as a motif to the magic that is taking place. Throughout this clip the audience willingly suspends their disbelief to allow the action to seem as real as possible an example of this is when the camera cranes up from all the chaos and we can still hear the screams quite loudly, we know this isn’t possible but we take no notice of it.
The mise-en-scene is presented at the beginning of the scene, which is a stereotypical generic convention used before a major action scene. The establishing shot shows the full length of the San Francisco bridge, as well as the isolated surroundings; suggesting that there is no escape. This is also implied when the audience notice the river in the establishing shot, signifying that it is even harder to escape. The establishing shot is also connoting how calm and peaceful the atmosphere in the scene is. This contrasts with the establishing shot used at the end of the scene, demonstrating to the audience the damage caused; showing the difference between the beginning shot and the end shot. This emphasises the destruction, whilst playing with the audiences expectations. At the start the audience are made to feel composed, although at the end the audience are left feeling stunned and in a state of confusion. The continuous use of close-ups in this scene to identify the characters facial expressions and emotions, also to recognize important characters (such as Magnito) and to focus the audience’s attention on the disruptive action taking place, (the close-up of the bridge’s pillars breaking due to Magnito’s use of magic.) The frequent close-ups of the woman in the car are used to emphasise her reaction to what is happening. She is the audiences eyes, in a way warning the audience to be prepared for what the camera will edit to reveal. This creates suspense, because the audience are wanting to know what is happening; they are anxiously being entertained. Magnito is established as the main character in this scene, when the extreme close-up is used for the backs of the two cars parting to reveal him. The close-up on the back of the cars creates confusion for the audience at first, however it then becomes clear that this is being used to highlight the fact that the protagonist has control over everything. He is revealed in the centre of a wide low angle shot, which then the camera cuts to a close-up of his face to expose his facial features; understanding that he is a villain. The use of depth of field also exhibits how important he is in the scene, focusing the audience’s attention on him. The use of overhead shots and crane shots shows how vulnerable people are and insignificant, which contrasts with the close-ups of the protagonist, revealing that he is significant. The crane shots unveil the chaos taking place across the whole bridge. Presenting the people to be as small as ants, implying how overpowered, vulnerable and hopeless they are. The audience are left feeling in a state of panic with the characters, this is implemented due to the chaos of the scene. The continuity of the shots creates a sense of what is happening seeming realistic. The natural flow of the shots adds to this effect, contrasting to the confusion of the car crash through quick shots and cuts. The convention of genre verisimilitude is created here for the audience. We know the action is not real, but because of the genre of the film we are led to accept the fact that one man can use his special powers to move the San Francisco bridge. The beginning of the scene starts of with gentle, disorientating music to add to the tranquil atmosphere that is trying to be created. This is quickly interrupted by the emphasised diegetic sound of the screeching and collision of cars. This shocks the audience, leaving them in a state of panic. However the diegetic sounds meet the audiences expectations, because the camera is placed miles away, but we can still hear the screams of the distressed characters. The gentle, disorientated music changes when the protagonist is revealed. Creating a sense of alarm for the audience, this is shown through the building up of orchestral instruments; suggesting danger and realisation. The lead up to the demolishing of the bridge is accentuated using a generic convention, which is showing the special effect from a variety of different angles and points of views. This is so the audience are made aware of the destruction that is being cause, whilst toying with their suspense because even though the audience are being led to believe the bridge is falling; they are still stunned when it does happen. This is because the special effect is done in slow stages to dramatise the situation to create an effective impact on the audience.
The extract we watched of X-Men demonstrated a normal and usual day, cars travelling along a busy bridge, when suddenly the bridge begins to fall apart. At the end, the bridge is completely destroyed.
In the extract, many different camera shots, angles and movements are used. The extract begins with an extreme long shot, an ariel shot perhaps taken from a helicopter. The extreme long shot allows the audience to distinguish the setting, and as the setting is popular and well-known, it seems more realistic and lets us feel like we are there more as we may be familiar with the location. The extreme long shot also allows the audience to establish the isolation of the setting, there are no main roads and no buildings, which gives us the sense that they may be far from any help, and we can therefore sense that there is going to be danger. A close up shot of inside the car demonstrates that it is a normal day, the children are playing on their electronic video games, and their parents are in the front of the car talking.
When the bridge first begins to break, a point of view shot is used. A close up of a woman’s face is used, where she is looking up at something which we have not seen yet. It then cuts to a low angle shot of part of the bridge breaking, making us feel like that is what she was looking at. When the people start to leave their cars, and panic as they run off the bridge, the camera is kept still, and there are people running past the camera in all directions, creating a sense of chaos and confusion.
A birds eye shot is also used above the bridge. This makes the people look small and vulnerable, especially as they are running and screaming, the audience feel worried for them as they are so small in comparison to the huge bridge. Another camera technique which is used is when there is an extreme close up of two cars. As the bridge is still breaking, the cars are separated, revealing Magneto. He is in the centre of the frame, at a low angle shot so the audience are made to look up at him, making him look more powerful and controlling, especially when he begins to walk towards the camera. There is a long duration close up shot of Magneto, establishing him as the main character and allowing us to see his facial features and expressions. At this point, the music begins and it is heraldic. As he walks towards the camera, the camera is tracking back, giving the sense that we are backing away from him as he is in control. Everything around him is out of focus, forcing the audience to concentrate on him.
A long shot is used to show the foundation poles of the bridge breaking and collapsing. The audience can see the danger from further away, giving us an idea of how damaging and dangerous it is. As the camera is placed on the bridge, we feel like we are moving as the bridge is moving. This involves the audience more. There is a small island in the middle of the river, and when the camera is placed here, we can see everything that is going on and we also feel like we are in danger as the island is small and the bridge is falling apart in front of them, not far away.
When the scene cuts to the inside, we can see people watching what is happening on the satellite image of the bridge. The music is more sombre, symbolising that they are in less danger. Continuity editing is used in the extract, allowing the audience to know where they are and exactly what is happening at the time.
Special effects play a major part in this extract, as the bridge breaking is all one huge special effect. The bridge is not breaking, but as it looks very real the audience forget that is it not happening and actually believe that the bridge is breaking. The quality of the effects are high, and this is emphasised by the metallic sounds which are heard while the bridge is breaking. The sounds are like metal, and there are cracking noises, which drain out the sounds of the characters screaming in panic.
In the opening of the action scene a long-shot is used to establish the setting of the San Francisco bridge, so the audience are familiar with the location which makes it seem more realistic.
By the excessive use of crashing of cars could interpret the different views of people’s confusion about the crash this makes the audience feel confused as well as the characters because the camera is being constantly changed to different peoples point of views.
The camera is still while people are in hysterics about Magnito’s strength as they run across and around the camera lens. This causes the audience to understand the characters fear of magnito and create a dramatic essence to the scene.
The use of cuts and fast pace editing creates a sense of confusion among the audience and keeps them aware of what is going on from each angle on the bridge example the camera cuts from a birds eye shot to show the panic as a whole and then it cuts to a much lower angle to see individual characters reaction and give a more close up view of what is happening on the bridge.
The mise en scene shows a normal and calm atmosphere of people driving their cars along the bridge with children playing normally on their game consoles, which suggest everything is normal and possibly something overwhelming is about to happen. Another factor used to show everything is normal is the use of diegetic sound of cars and traffic driving normally on the bridge.
A close-up of the cars splitting apart is used to represent Magnito’s power and dominant character. Extreme close-up of Magnito is used to show the character’s facial expression. The music in the background is heraldic and as he moves towards the camera it becomes louder and more intense to represent his villain character. As well as this, as he moves the camera tracks backwards which could suggest Magnito to be pushing the audience back. During this the camera is close up to Magnitos face so they audience feel as if Maginto is looking straight at them as he is in away pushing them back as he walks towards the lens. After this close up the camera then focuses on the other mutants around Maginto to indicate his leadership and to show he is the main character in this scene.
The sequence begins with a long shot. This establishes the mise-en-scene, The Golden Gate Bridge, Chicago. This creates verisimilitude, creating a sense of realism; this is done so that it is as realistic and believable as possible for the audience. A mid- shot is used to reveal a normal everyday scene, of the cars travelling across the bridge, with the Diegetic sound of cars and wind, further continuing verisimilitude .The audience are then introduced to different characters within the cars on the bridge, particularly a normal American family that consists of mother, father and two children in their 4X4. Here, close-ups are used as it shows the sartorial codes used on the characters, also making the scene become more personal as the audience are now introduced to characters on the bridge, its not just simply cars travelling across the bridge anymore. It creates a sense of calm, as the facial expressions on the characters faces are content and normal. This almost confirms to the audience that something sinister is going to change this happy, everyday scene. Up until this point, no music is used as sound. Diegetic sound of the cars and the wind howling is all that is used, to create a calming presence amongst the audience. Suddenly, a long shot establishes a change, as the cars all veer and screech to a halt. Quick cuts establish fast paced action. This is accompanied by the sound of the metal grinding, the groans of the cars and the screams of people, leaving the audience, like the characters in the sequence, completely unaware and unsure about what is happening and what is causing this change of events. A close up of the mother is then used to show that she is looking at something. This establishes her confusion and shock of the whole situation; the audience then feel the same and feel as though they are in the same position as this woman. Continuity editing allows the audience to see what the woman is looking at, screws coming loose from the actual bridge. It allows the audience to have the same reaction time as the characters. A long shot, zooms down the centre of the bridge introducing the audience to the “evil” characters, marching in sync towards the camera, here for the first time music is introduced in the clip. A low angled camera shot then establishes our villain, Magnito. It is implied that his great force and power caused the cars to grind to a halt. Thus, making him appear extremely powerful. The depth of field used to establish Magnito, positions him centre frame, allowing the audience to get “personal” with him. A birds-eye shot of Magnito subverts expectations and stereotypes that he is vulnerable, as he appears extremely authoritative and confident. The music diminuendos, creating a sense of anticipation as to what Magnito will do or say. Magnito appears to be concentrating on something and points towards something which the audience cannot see, continuity editing once again allows the audience to see what he is pointing at. A wide shot is then shows the audience a piece of the bridge breaking off, showing us that Magnito has caused this to occur. Then the camera “cranes” from above him, quickly to his feet, emphasising his dominance and presence, accompanied by the sound of screeching metal. A long shot is then used to portray to the audience just how much carnage and mayhem has occurred since Magnito’s arrival. This is a contrast to the beginning long shot, which created verisimilitude. To continue the sense of verisimilitude, we are then given a point of view shot from the bridge towards an island, which looks extremely similar to Alcatraz. It then cuts to a point of view shot of soldiers looking at the carnage from the island. This further reiterates to the audience just how much carnage and disaster has occurred on the bridge in such a short amount of time. The bridge then begins to move towards the island, with Magnito riding upon it as though he is sailing a battle ship. This unnerves the audience, as it seems as though he is coming for us, ready for battle. We then cut to an Ariel shot which establishes a government facility. A low angled shot then shows us the character’s arriving on the island. The camera “cranes” up from the feet of the villains to then reveal the facility. Non-Diegetic sound of marching and business-like music is used to create a sense of military presence. This leaves the audience with anticipation, itching to find out what action is next in store.
The mise en scène is established as San Francisco with a panning shot of San Francisco Bay and of the Golden Gate Bridge. The panning shot is also used to portray the idea that it is just a typical day in San Francisco and everything seems normal. There is a vast array of camera angles used in this scene. There an establishing shot from a high angle of the Mercedes driving along the bridge. The Mercedes is in the centre of the frame suggesting the occupants are relevant within the plot. There is a low angle shot of the cars being manipulated by Magneto which takes up the whole of the frame. The cars then move away revealing Magneto. This emphasises his superiority.
There is a mid shot using his powers to bring the bridge down. The camera starts by zooming in on Magneto and then switches from a high angle shot to a low angle shot. There is a shot of the broken bridge taking up the while of the frame the connotation of which is a ravenous beast with its mouth wide open. The camera then cuts to a mid shot of Magneto and then another low angle shot of the broken remains of the bridge before switching to a crane shot and then a tracking shot of the bridge plummeting to the ground. This helps the audience to interact with the film as it feels like the bridge is actually falling onto them.
There is an interesting point of view shot in which a boy looks out of the hospital window at the collapsed bridge and the audience can see what he sees by the reflection in the glass. It is preceded by another point of view shot in which a photographer witnesses the bridge collapsing in front of his eyes. We emphasise more with the photographer because he is actually there while the boy is safe in the hospital.
There is a crane shot of the bridge showing the people running away from their cars which convey the idea of ants scurrying around.
The sound used at the beginning of the scene is the diegetic sound of the cars driving along the Golden Gate Bridge. A normal family driving a normal car crease a false sense of security for the audience. There is also the sound of Magneto using his powers to bring down the bridge which is reminiscent of a radio being tuned or a gun being fired in a computer game. This is an example of generic verisimilitude. There is also diegetic sound of the bridge crumbling. Throughout the scene orchestral music is used, eg, drums violins, double basses, to emphasis the gravity of the situation. The volume of the orchestral music increases and decreases keeping the audience in suspense because they cannot judge what is going to happen next.
Continuity editing is used in this scene. For example, the camera slowly pans in on the bridge to a shot of people driving along the bridge. The camera then cuts to a shot of the wrecked bridge and then there is a shot of a tram going uphill with the bridge in the background. This is a long shot and it portrays the rest of the city blissfully unaware of the disaster that has happened.
The CGI used in this scene are of Magneto moving the cars giving the impression of the cars being literally moved by a magnet and the Golden Gate Bridge collapsing and Magnetos hovering in mid air. These are all generic conventions of sci-fi movies.
8 comments:
(oh great, mines the first one -_-)
Eve Lambert
Xmen - The Last Stand - Camera, Sound and Editing
The clip starts with a extreme long shot of Golden Gate Bridge, In San Francisco, establishing where the scene is, and suggesting that the bridge is going to be the centre of the action . It is well-known so the audience can relate to it easily. A mid-shot on the bridge, with cars going by, shows the everyday normality of what’s happening in the scene. We are shown close ups a family driving in a car along the bridge, set up as characters for the audience to relate to, showing everything is alright and normal. The sound is calm, just the wind and sound of cars, no music or non-diegetic sounds. This makes the audience feel unsettled as they don’t know what is going to happen, but suggests that something is going to change. A long shot of the bridge shows all the cars along the bridge swerve and stop. The sound is just of metal grinding and screech of brakes, the first sign of something wrong happening. We hear sound of people asking ‘what’s happening?’ showing that the characters are confused, and this makes the audience feel confused and uncertain too. A close up of the mother shows her looking up, in shock, and a use of continuity editing shows what she’s looking at; screws being released from the posts supporting the bridge, with the sound of clinking metal. Long shots show what’s happening along the bridge as people start to panic, we hear screams and calls. Short duration editing between different characters shows their reactions and present the confusion and panic happening amongst the people, relating the audience to the characters. The music only comes in as the bad characters enter the scene, a long shot shows them walking down the centre of the bridge in formation, dramatic and threatening music, to suggest that now something bad is going to happen now they have arrived. Magneto walks in front, with close ups of him looking threatening, emphasising his importance, and long shots showing him walking away from the others, with them out of focus to centralise on him. It stays focused on a close up of him, sound going quiet to create anticipation of what is going to happen next. He holds out his hand, like he’s pointing and concentrating on something and a continuity edit shows us what he’s doing, cutting us to a wide shot of the leg of the bridge breaking off. There is then a high shoot from above Magneto, almost establishing his surrounding as the ropes snap, which swoops down, with a metallic swooping sound to match the camera movement, to a low shot below him, showing him as powerful and dominant. There is a close up of the moving bridge coming towards the screen, engaging the audience in the action, then to an extreme long shot of the entire scene, showing the whole effect of what is happening, much like the beginning shot to show a comparison between normality and the chaos that is now happening. We are then shown a Birds Eye View shot looking down on the people on the bridge, screaming and panicking, showing them as small and vulnerable. We see that the bridge is moving, with a POV type shot of the bridge heading off across the water, and then a long shot of an island, to show where the bridge is going. To establish this, the bridge moves in from behind the frame into the screen, again engaging the audience in the action. POV shots are used to show the sight from character’s views to make it seem more realistic as the audience can relate to it, and from land to show how amazing and impossible the sight is compared to normality. A high shot shows Army soldiers looking up in shot as the shadow moves over them, showing that not even the Armed Forces can help. Magneto, riding on the flying bridge, is shown as god-like from a low angle against the blue sky background, his posture with hands held up shows him as superior and powerful. When the bridge has arrived at the island, the music changes to more powerful, business-like drum beats to show that the bad characters are here for a reason and want to get to work. A long shot is used, starting from below the characters feet on the bridge, to over their heads to establish the building they are facing, showing the transition from the bridge to the island building.
Rehanaaaa
The mise – en – scene contains the San Francisco Bridge and the landscape surrounding it. By using a well known site the audience is more likely to sympathise with the situation and because the bridge is so large this allows for more destruction and impact. By using an extreme long shot as the first camera shot in the scene the director successfully establishes the setting.
Point of view shots are used extremely effectively throughout the clip. Firstly from the mother’s outlook, she is placed as our eyes. Every time we see a shot of her the camera follows through her eye line and we are alerted to the fact that some sort of danger is about to occur for example parts of the bridge slowly coming apart. Point of view shots are used to show the destruction of the bridge, we see the perspectives of people on opposite sides of the bridge and a person who is inside a building. The director has chosen to do this because the special effect that is being used is so amazing and on such a large scale that he wants to make the most of it and for the audience to feel the full impact. A close up of a satellite is used to show the bridge swing across to Alcatraz, we then see mid shots of people inside the building who are watching this on the screen and their terrified expressions. This is then coupled with the music which suddenly becomes more sorrowful and sombre. The audience take this as a sign that all are doomed.
At one point the camera cuts to an overhead shot; this reduces the camera angle, which makes the people seem far smaller. The way in which the hysterical people are running around makes them look almost insect like, showing how vulnerable and easy to crush they are. An extreme long shot is again used to make the collapsing bridge seem as if it is coming out of the screen towards the audience, making it seem more realistic. This technique is often used in action adventure films.
Magneto is clearly established as the villain from the offset. He is wearing black connoting signs of evil and one of the first shots that we see of him is from a low angle shot looking up at him representing him in a position of power. There are extreme close ups on Magneto and the camera tracks backwards away from him. This to portray two things: he is controlling the camera or the ‘camera’ is backing away through fear. When there are close ups of Magneto he is centre frame and the background is blurred, showing he’s the character of importance at the time. Magneto appears to be tiny when he is standing on top of the bridge however; he’s still in power as he is controlling the movement this is signified by the movements of his hand and the matching of the destruction and movement of bridge. Epic music also sets in when the group of villains are seen in full force, showing them to have the role of power. Continuity editing is used throughout, it meets the audience’s expectations and all shots run onto each other in order. Quick cuts and blurs are used when the car crashes occur which creates confusion for the audience.
At the beginning of the scene the audience can hear the wind and other calming sounds. It’s slightly disorientating and the fact that there is no non – diegetic sound is unsettling. A metallic screeching occurs every time a something takes place because of the supernatural powers, this sound is almost attributed as a motif to the magic that is taking place. Throughout this clip the audience willingly suspends their disbelief to allow the action to seem as real as possible an example of this is when the camera cranes up from all the chaos and we can still hear the screams quite loudly, we know this isn’t possible but we take no notice of it.
The mise-en-scene is presented at the beginning of the scene, which is a stereotypical generic convention used before a major action scene. The establishing shot shows the full length of the San Francisco bridge, as well as the isolated surroundings; suggesting that there is no escape. This is also implied when the audience notice the river in the establishing shot, signifying that it is even harder to escape. The establishing shot is also connoting how calm and peaceful the atmosphere in the scene is. This contrasts with the establishing shot used at the end of the scene, demonstrating to the audience the damage caused; showing the difference between the beginning shot and the end shot. This emphasises the destruction, whilst playing with the audiences expectations. At the start the audience are made to feel composed, although at the end the audience are left feeling stunned and in a state of confusion.
The continuous use of close-ups in this scene to identify the characters facial expressions and emotions, also to recognize important characters (such as Magnito) and to focus the audience’s attention on the disruptive action taking place, (the close-up of the bridge’s pillars breaking due to Magnito’s use of magic.)
The frequent close-ups of the woman in the car are used to emphasise her reaction to what is happening. She is the audiences eyes, in a way warning the audience to be prepared for what the camera will edit to reveal. This creates suspense, because the audience are wanting to know what is happening; they are anxiously being entertained. Magnito is established as the main character in this scene, when the extreme close-up is used for the backs of the two cars parting to reveal him. The close-up on the back of the cars creates confusion for the audience at first, however it then becomes clear that this is being used to highlight the fact that the protagonist has control over everything. He is revealed in the centre of a wide low angle shot, which then the camera cuts to a close-up of his face to expose his facial features; understanding that he is a villain. The use of depth of field also exhibits how important he is in the scene, focusing the audience’s attention on him.
The use of overhead shots and crane shots shows how vulnerable people are and insignificant, which contrasts with the close-ups of the protagonist, revealing that he is significant. The crane shots unveil the chaos taking place across the whole bridge. Presenting the people to be as small as ants, implying how overpowered, vulnerable and hopeless they are. The audience are left feeling in a state of panic with the characters, this is implemented due to the chaos of the scene.
The continuity of the shots creates a sense of what is happening seeming realistic. The natural flow of the shots adds to this effect, contrasting to the confusion of the car crash through quick shots and cuts. The convention of genre verisimilitude is created here for the audience. We know the action is not real, but because of the genre of the film we are led to accept the fact that one man can use his special powers to move the San Francisco bridge.
The beginning of the scene starts of with gentle, disorientating music to add to the tranquil atmosphere that is trying to be created. This is quickly interrupted by the emphasised diegetic sound of the screeching and collision of cars. This shocks the audience, leaving them in a state of panic. However the diegetic sounds meet the audiences expectations, because the camera is placed miles away, but we can still hear the screams of the distressed characters.
The gentle, disorientated music changes when the protagonist is revealed. Creating a sense of alarm for the audience, this is shown through the building up of orchestral instruments; suggesting danger and realisation.
The lead up to the demolishing of the bridge is accentuated using a generic convention, which is showing the special effect from a variety of different angles and points of views. This is so the audience are made aware of the destruction that is being cause, whilst toying with their suspense because even though the audience are being led to believe the bridge is falling; they are still stunned when it does happen. This is because the special effect is done in slow stages to dramatise the situation to create an effective impact on the audience.
Zainab Nalla -
The extract we watched of X-Men demonstrated a normal and usual day, cars travelling along a busy bridge, when suddenly the bridge begins to fall apart. At the end, the bridge is completely destroyed.
In the extract, many different camera shots, angles and movements are used. The extract begins with an extreme long shot, an ariel shot perhaps taken from a helicopter. The extreme long shot allows the audience to distinguish the setting, and as the setting is popular and well-known, it seems more realistic and lets us feel like we are there more as we may be familiar with the location. The extreme long shot also allows the audience to establish the isolation of the setting, there are no main roads and no buildings, which gives us the sense that they may be far from any help, and we can therefore sense that there is going to be danger. A close up shot of inside the car demonstrates that it is a normal day, the children are playing on their electronic video games, and their parents are in the front of the car talking.
When the bridge first begins to break, a point of view shot is used. A close up of a woman’s face is used, where she is looking up at something which we have not seen yet. It then cuts to a low angle shot of part of the bridge breaking, making us feel like that is what she was looking at. When the people start to leave their cars, and panic as they run off the bridge, the camera is kept still, and there are people running past the camera in all directions, creating a sense of chaos and confusion.
A birds eye shot is also used above the bridge. This makes the people look small and vulnerable, especially as they are running and screaming, the audience feel worried for them as they are so small in comparison to the huge bridge. Another camera technique which is used is when there is an extreme close up of two cars. As the bridge is still breaking, the cars are separated, revealing Magneto. He is in the centre of the frame, at a low angle shot so the audience are made to look up at him, making him look more powerful and controlling, especially when he begins to walk towards the camera. There is a long duration close up shot of Magneto, establishing him as the main character and allowing us to see his facial features and expressions. At this point, the music begins and it is heraldic. As he walks towards the camera, the camera is tracking back, giving the sense that we are backing away from him as he is in control. Everything around him is out of focus, forcing the audience to concentrate on him.
A long shot is used to show the foundation poles of the bridge breaking and collapsing. The audience can see the danger from further away, giving us an idea of how damaging and dangerous it is. As the camera is placed on the bridge, we feel like we are moving as the bridge is moving. This involves the audience more. There is a small island in the middle of the river, and when the camera is placed here, we can see everything that is going on and we also feel like we are in danger as the island is small and the bridge is falling apart in front of them, not far away.
When the scene cuts to the inside, we can see people watching what is happening on the satellite image of the bridge. The music is more sombre, symbolising that they are in less danger. Continuity editing is used in the extract, allowing the audience to know where they are and exactly what is happening at the time.
Special effects play a major part in this extract, as the bridge breaking is all one huge special effect. The bridge is not breaking, but as it looks very real the audience forget that is it not happening and actually believe that the bridge is breaking. The quality of the effects are high, and this is emphasised by the metallic sounds which are heard while the bridge is breaking. The sounds are like metal, and there are cracking noises, which drain out the sounds of the characters screaming in panic.
Samira khan
In the opening of the action scene a long-shot is used to establish the setting of the San Francisco bridge, so the audience are familiar with the location which makes it seem more realistic.
By the excessive use of crashing of cars could interpret the different views of people’s confusion about the crash this makes the audience feel confused as well as the characters because the camera is being constantly changed to different peoples point of views.
The camera is still while people are in hysterics about Magnito’s strength as they run across and around the camera lens. This causes the audience to understand the characters fear of magnito and create a dramatic essence to the scene.
The use of cuts and fast pace editing creates a sense of confusion among the audience and keeps them aware of what is going on from each angle on the bridge example the camera cuts from a birds eye shot to show the panic as a whole and then it cuts to a much lower angle to see individual characters reaction and give a more close up view of what is happening on the bridge.
The mise en scene shows a normal and calm atmosphere of people driving their cars along the bridge with children playing normally on their game consoles, which suggest everything is normal and possibly something overwhelming is about to happen. Another factor used to show everything is normal is the use of diegetic sound of cars and traffic driving normally on the bridge.
A close-up of the cars splitting apart is used to represent Magnito’s power and dominant character. Extreme close-up of Magnito is used to show the character’s facial expression. The music in the background is heraldic and as he moves towards the camera it becomes louder and more intense to represent his villain character. As well as this, as he moves the camera tracks backwards which could suggest Magnito to be pushing the audience back. During this the camera is close up to Magnitos face so they audience feel as if Maginto is looking straight at them as he is in away pushing them back as he walks towards the lens. After this close up the camera then focuses on the other mutants around Maginto to indicate his leadership and to show he is the main character in this scene.
X men – The last stand
The sequence begins with a long shot. This establishes the mise-en-scene, The Golden Gate Bridge, Chicago. This creates verisimilitude, creating a sense of realism; this is done so that it is as realistic and believable as possible for the audience. A mid- shot is used to reveal a normal everyday scene, of the cars travelling across the bridge, with the Diegetic sound of cars and wind, further continuing verisimilitude .The audience are then introduced to different characters within the cars on the bridge, particularly a normal American family that consists of mother, father and two children in their 4X4. Here, close-ups are used as it shows the sartorial codes used on the characters, also making the scene become more personal as the audience are now introduced to characters on the bridge, its not just simply cars travelling across the bridge anymore. It creates a sense of calm, as the facial expressions on the characters faces are content and normal. This almost confirms to the audience that something sinister is going to change this happy, everyday scene.
Up until this point, no music is used as sound. Diegetic sound of the cars and the wind howling is all that is used, to create a calming presence amongst the audience. Suddenly, a long shot establishes a change, as the cars all veer and screech to a halt. Quick cuts establish fast paced action. This is accompanied by the sound of the metal grinding, the groans of the cars and the screams of people, leaving the audience, like the characters in the sequence, completely unaware and unsure about what is happening and what is causing this change of events. A close up of the mother is then used to show that she is looking at something. This establishes her confusion and shock of the whole situation; the audience then feel the same and feel as though they are in the same position as this woman. Continuity editing allows the audience to see what the woman is looking at, screws coming loose from the actual bridge. It allows the audience to have the same reaction time as the characters. A long shot, zooms down the centre of the bridge introducing the audience to the “evil” characters, marching in sync towards the camera, here for the first time music is introduced in the clip. A low angled camera shot then establishes our villain, Magnito. It is implied that his great force and power caused the cars to grind to a halt. Thus, making him appear extremely powerful. The depth of field used to establish Magnito, positions him centre frame, allowing the audience to get “personal” with him. A birds-eye shot of Magnito subverts expectations and stereotypes that he is vulnerable, as he appears extremely authoritative and confident. The music diminuendos, creating a sense of anticipation as to what Magnito will do or say. Magnito appears to be concentrating on something and points towards something which the audience cannot see, continuity editing once again allows the audience to see what he is pointing at. A wide shot is then shows the audience a piece of the bridge breaking off, showing us that Magnito has caused this to occur. Then the camera “cranes” from above him, quickly to his feet, emphasising his dominance and presence, accompanied by the sound of screeching metal. A long shot is then used to portray to the audience just how much carnage and mayhem has occurred since Magnito’s arrival. This is a contrast to the beginning long shot, which created verisimilitude. To continue the sense of verisimilitude, we are then given a point of view shot from the bridge towards an island, which looks extremely similar to Alcatraz. It then cuts to a point of view shot of soldiers looking at the carnage from the island. This further reiterates to the audience just how much carnage and disaster has occurred on the bridge in such a short amount of time. The bridge then begins to move towards the island, with Magnito riding upon it as though he is sailing a battle ship. This unnerves the audience, as it seems as though he is coming for us, ready for battle. We then cut to an Ariel shot which establishes a government facility. A low angled shot then shows us the character’s arriving on the island. The camera “cranes” up from the feet of the villains to then reveal the facility. Non-Diegetic sound of marching and business-like music is used to create a sense of military presence. This leaves the audience with anticipation, itching to find out what action is next in store.
‘X Men The Last Stand’
Textual Analysis
The mise en scène is established as San Francisco with a panning shot of San Francisco Bay and of the Golden Gate Bridge. The panning shot is also used to portray the idea that it is just a typical day in San Francisco and everything seems normal. There is a vast array of camera angles used in this scene. There an establishing shot from a high angle of the Mercedes driving along the bridge. The Mercedes is in the centre of the frame suggesting the occupants are relevant within the plot. There is a low angle shot of the cars being manipulated by Magneto which takes up the whole of the frame. The cars then move away revealing Magneto. This emphasises his superiority.
There is a mid shot using his powers to bring the bridge down. The camera starts by zooming in on Magneto and then switches from a high angle shot to a low angle shot. There is a shot of the broken bridge taking up the while of the frame the connotation of which is a ravenous beast with its mouth wide open. The camera then cuts to a mid shot of Magneto and then another low angle shot of the broken remains of the bridge before switching to a crane shot and then a tracking shot of the bridge plummeting to the ground. This helps the audience to interact with the film as it feels like the bridge is actually falling onto them.
There is an interesting point of view shot in which a boy looks out of the hospital window at the collapsed bridge and the audience can see what he sees by the reflection in the glass. It is preceded by another point of view shot in which a photographer witnesses the bridge collapsing in front of his eyes. We emphasise more with the photographer because he is actually there while the boy is safe in the hospital.
There is a crane shot of the bridge showing the people running away from their cars which convey the idea of ants scurrying around.
The sound used at the beginning of the scene is the diegetic sound of the cars driving along the Golden Gate Bridge. A normal family driving a normal car crease a false sense of security for the audience. There is also the sound of Magneto using his powers to bring down the bridge which is reminiscent of a radio being tuned or a gun being fired in a computer game. This is an example of generic verisimilitude. There is also diegetic sound of the bridge crumbling. Throughout the scene orchestral music is used, eg, drums violins, double basses, to emphasis the gravity of the situation. The volume of the orchestral music increases and decreases keeping the audience in suspense because they cannot judge what is going to happen next.
Continuity editing is used in this scene. For example, the camera slowly pans in on the bridge to a shot of people driving along the bridge. The camera then cuts to a shot of the wrecked bridge and then there is a shot of a tram going uphill with the bridge in the background. This is a long shot and it portrays the rest of the city blissfully unaware of the disaster that has happened.
The CGI used in this scene are of Magneto moving the cars giving the impression of the cars being literally moved by a magnet and the Golden Gate Bridge collapsing and Magnetos hovering in mid air. These are all generic conventions of sci-fi movies.
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