Wednesday 5 October 2016

Secondary Audience

Primary Target Audience

I'm going to quickly recap on the primary target audience; so I can then decide on the secondary target audience. Generally, this shouldn't be all too long of a post, as I already have the primary audience; the secondary audience usually goes by this in a way.

  • Age: 15 - 25
  • Gender: Male
  • Social Grade: E - C1
  • Race:White British
Now that is listed as four simple bullet points, I'll talk about the secondary target audience.

Secondary Target Audience

For my secondary audience; it'll simply be people who do not fit into any of the previously mentioned brackets. 

Age
I'm not going to say that the audience could go anywhere below the age of 15; as the rating of this movie would typically be 15. Though, the secondary audience could definitely be 25+.

Gender
Instead of only males being in the target audience, this could be widened to females being the secondary audience.

Social Grade
For social grade, I'd be looking at anyone above the C1 grade; who I didn't include in the primary target audience. This is partially to do with age; as people anywhere above the C1 bracket tend to be mature, and wouldn't find the movie funny, though they could.

Race
For race; the secondary audience would be on a worldwide spectrum, including all other races who could enjoy the movie; though typically wouldn't.

Tuesday 4 October 2016

Primary Audience

The genre for my final scene is going to be an action comedy; with the sub-genres of slap-stick fish-out-of-water within the content of the interrogation I am going to be working on.

This is important; as the genre and content seen will have an impact on both the primary and secondary target audiences. However; for now, I'll only be focusing on the primary audience.

The factors that I'm going to consider for my target audience are...

  • Age
  • Class
  • Gender
  • Occupation
  • Race
  • Social Grade
Target Audience of Slapstick

Slapstick comedy can be applied to almost all of the above; as many comedy films; especially in my chosen genre do involve quite a heavy about of slapstick. Therefore, this has little effect on my research.

Target Audience of fish-out-of-water


I feel that this sub-genre will go somewhat the same way as slapstick; it can be designed to fit into any the categories above; depending on the main content of the movie itself. However, I feel that my target audience will be slightly older; between 15 - 24. Since there are a lot of action/comedy movies involving fish-out-of-water; including Cop Out; this task shouldn't be all too difficult.




Target Audience of action comedy

This is the biggest genre that'll be having an influence on my target audience. I'll split this into two; to get a better idea of what I am aiming for /exactly/.

Action

Age & Gender
The primary target audience of action movies are typically young adult males, or males in adolescence; between the ages of 15 - 40. The reason for this is due to the fact that action usually entails things such as car chases, explosions, gun violence, etc. These are stereotypically masculine conventions; therefore leading to this general basis. Young adult males would generally want an adrenaline bust whilst viewing a movie; as opposed to something boring, such as romance or even drama. Once reaching into the 40+'s, they'd tend to prefer to slow down; therefore meaning that the primary audience leans towards the younger generation.

It is also worth noting that the majority of characters in action films are male; and if females appear in the films, are usually stereotypes as 'perfect', and usually appear attractive. Generally speaking, women wouldn't want to see a wrongly acted female character; but otherwise males (especially younger) would be attracted to this. They'll also enjoy these movies as it depicts the majority of the male characters as being powerful and strong; something they'd like to be.

Social Grade, Class & Occupation
These young males are usually in the middle social class; as they'd have the general luxury of being able to watch these movies regularly, along with the time to watch them at will. The income bracket for action is B - C2 (working class-skilled working class). Though E (students) also fit into this bracket; as they're in the right age bracket, and usually are able to go and see movies whenever they like. (Generally speaking).

Race
This leads me on to mention that with such a diversity of races appearing throughout action movies, it is fair to say that action appeals to a much wider spectrum of races; rather than other specific genres having a near enough all-white cast.


Uses and Gratifications
Action is an escape from reality in many cases; such as the Fast and Furious series of movies. To some extent it is realistic; therefore both educating and informing the audience; giving them understanding of the world around them. With the crime genre heavily associated with action, we see a whole array of characters from different job fronts and classes. Especially things such as job roles through the police departments or other likely roles that the viewer may never have heard of.  Not mentioning things such as natural disasters, unfamiliar places across the globe, and even worldwide problems (terrorism, corruption, etc.). Going back to how I said that the action genre is an escape from reality;  this is because action movies do tend to blow things out or proportion; make them worse than they really are, taking a step out of what would be classed as realistic. This is where the purpose to entertain comes in. Since these movies are a step out of reality so often, it makes it enjoyable and purely for entertainment purposes. (I could link the idea of the adrenaline rush back to the entertainment side of things). Now, going into the idea of characters, usually characters are built to be relatable, be it through class, age, gender, etc. Social interaction is a big part of this, as personal bonds are built between the viewers and the characters, making the film far more effective in many different ways. Not only that, but it creates social interaction out of the narrative too; giving grounds for discussion, and somewhat being an ice breaker. Of course, back to my previous point, self gratification fits into this genre, as people can identify themselves in a media text through either character or circumstance; or even both.

Comedy

Age & Gender
Comedy has such a wide spectrum of types, that it is difficult to identify one specific age nor gender for it to be designated to. Each rating (U, PG, 12, 12A, 15, 18, etc.) has a different target audience stereotypically seen as enjoying the genre. Instead, I've thought about what I aim aiming to achieve.

After awhile of thinking and a little research into the genre, I've gone with an age range of 15-25, as this covers the general basis of the content in the idea I have come up with. Comedy movies aimed at this age bracket are usually somewhat more crude in nature, with specific subjects teens and young adults would find amusing. Also, comedy for young adults in the 21st century usually consists of crude humour, rude jokes, and even violence. I'd specifically be looking at a primary target audience of young white males. This fits with the action genre too (again, with the violent and controversial content). Anyone under this age would typically not be able to view the movie, and anyone of an age 25+ would not find this specific kind of comedy enjoyable; and could be offended by the content. The audience I have specified would have to enjoy adult humour, crude humour, violence, crime, and also controversial concepts.


Social Grade, Class & Occupation
It seems as if the young males of which would be viewing a movie of the comedy genre would be in the same demographic as that of the action genre. C1 & 2 - D, with the exception of part of the E grade. (Including students and casual workers; but not pensioners and unemployed). This is because of the exact same reasons as specified before with the action genre. However, the B grade would be excluded, as for this specific age range, it'd be unlikely for teachers etc. to be viewing a movie of such immaturity.  Instead, you'd expect people ranging from students, unskilled manual workers, builders, plumbers and even junior management to enjoy this specific area of the comedy genre. People in these specific brackets would have the luxury of being able to view these movies, as mentioned before; as well as being the right age and right levels of immaturity to some extent. They're still fairly young, in simple terms.

Race
Race is a lot more divided throughout the comedy genre; though as seen in movies such as Cop Out and White Chicks; race has slowly become something that is not so joked about as it was previously in the media world. However, I feel with the idea I have, the cast would generally be all-white. Therefore, having the generic young white male primary audience.

Uses & Gratifications
Just as the action genre; comedy is much more of an escape from reality; being blown out of proportion, and far too centred around specific characters to fit into reality. Therefore, comedy movies are more of an escape from reality than set-in-stone action movies, because real life situations are never so light-hearted or funny. However, something comedy movies are generally not set to do, are to inform the audience, or educate them. Comedy movies are instead set on what the main character sets out to do, and whatever that includes. With a movie scene harbouring such a genre, it'd be more silly, immature and following story-lines holding no informative detail. Comedy movies work better for purely entertainment purposes, as they are funny and are designed to make the audience laugh, have a good time, and escape reality, which may not be half as fun as the movie. This leads me on to talk about social interactions. Since in most comedies of this nature, the characters are pretty much normal people; therefore relating to the audience, making connections and dragging them into the narrative, as if they personally know the character. It also helps that the characters are typically young, around the same age as the viewers. Not only that, but it
"creates social interaction out of the narrative too; giving grounds for discussion, and somewhat being an ice breaker"
"Of course, back to my previous point, self gratification fits into this genre, as people can identify themselves in a media text through either character or circumstance; or even both. "


Conclusions 

So, now that I've picked up on every little detail and pulled the genre apart, I've reached the point where I'm able to conclude the specific primary target audience I have in mind, in order to come up with the most successful idea I can.


Age

15 - 25
This is due to the type of comedy, since younger generations tend to enjoy the violent, rude and controversial comedy, as opposed to lighter types of comedy such as romantic comedy.

This also fits into the idea of the action genre, as younger audiences tend to enjoy that adrenaline rush they get when viewing a movie of this nature.

Gender

The all around gender chosen for my primary target audience is male, due to the fact that this type of comedy is aimed at this gender. This is also due to the fact that action movies are typically aimed at males.

Social Grade, Class & Occupation

The social grade I am going with is E - C1; as this typically fits both action and comedy genres. Of course, this excludes pensioners and unemployed from E.

Race

Finally, despite action being a multi-racial genre; I feel that action-comedy leans more into the idea of the audience being white, as not always, but most of the time, the specific movie I am looking at is aimed at white, British people. Not to mention the fact that they would generically be an all-white cast.













Monday 3 October 2016

Genre

This is an extra post to quickly go through the genre which I have chosen; to avoid overflowing the target audience post. 

I see genre as an important factor here, therefore have added genre to my list. 

However; with such a broad spectrum of comedy, I'm going to list the sub-genres, and go with a specific one. Therefore making it a lot easier to work with. 

As I've mentioned already in my target audience page, the chosen genre for the preliminary task is comedy; as it is a simple genre to complete, and little to no work is needed. 

Sub-genres

  • Comedy of manners

Comedy of manners generally mocks the portrayal of behaviour in a particular social group.

  • Slapstick films

This is a type of comical acting where the actors behave in silly ways, such as throwing things or falling over.

  • Fish out of water comedy

Entails a character being outside of their normal environment.

  • Parody or spoof film

A humorous imitation of something, typically another film or particular genre.

  • Dark comedy

This is a style that makes light of themes that are generally considered serious; usually controversial.

  • Gross out films

These sorts of films are usually very offensive; and generally for younger audiences.

Genre Hybrids

  • Action comedy

  1. Cop Out
  2. Kingsman
  3. Hancock
  4. 22 Jump Street
  5. Men in Black

  • Comedy horror

  1. Shaun of the Dead
  2. Gremlins
  3. Zombieland
  4. Scary Movie
  5. Beetlejuice

  • Comedy thriller

  1. Kindergarten Cop
  2. Charade
  3. Bride of Chucky
  4. Knight and Day
  5. The Cable Guy

  • Fantasy comedy

  1. Groudhog Day
  2. Being John Malkovich
  3. Big
  4. Liar Liar
  5. 13 Going on 30

  • Comic sci-fi

  1. Galaxy Quest
  2. Paul
  3. Short Circuit
  4. Gardens of the Galaxy
  5. Flubber

  • Romantic comedy

  1. Love Actually
  2. 10 Things I Hate About You
  3. Knocked Up
  4. Pretty Woman
  5. Bridget Jones's Diary

Now that I have a basic idea of the main sub genres and genre hybrids; I can decide on whichever seems to work the most for my final piece of footage. With the basic idea already in my mind, it won't be too difficult to decide on a specific sub genre/genre hybrid.

It seems as if 'fish-out-of-water' comedy would be my best option here; as the character is partly being put in an environment they're not used to. At least; with the interrogation taking place in the middle of a field, this will work for the specific scene.

In the end, the best mix of sub-genres for this to fit into would be a slap-stick fish-out-of-water comedy. Now that I have a very specific genre chosen, the target audience, both secondary and primary will be easier to figure out.

I'd also like to quickly note that action may be a genre for this to have a hybrid with; as I analysed Cop Out, which was a Action/Comedy movie, and I'll have a general better idea of how to go about this specifically.

Sunday 2 October 2016

(2) Cop Out - Interrogation Scene Analysis

Cop Out


Image result for cop out poster
The second of two scenes, I have gone for the interrogation scene from the action/comedy movie Cop Out. Now, this is important, as I have covered two movie genres of completely opposing spectrums, to give myself a better idea of multiple genres, action/comedy as opposed to crime/drama.

However, the things I'll cover stay completely the same; as follows:
  • Camera Shots
  • Camera Movements
  • Camera Angles
  • Editing
  • Lighting
  • Mise-en-scene
  • Sound
As mentioned previously, there are a few things I'll mention from the beginning, as they appear through the majority of the sequence.

The editing in this scene is one of them. Throughout the scene, the editing is rather choppy and somewhat messy. However, this is generally something you'd expect to see from a movie of this nature; especially with the comedy genre at hand. Shots don't last as long as they did with the Joker's interrogation. Genre has a very heavy impact on this, as with a younger, less mature audience, the filmmakers can't risk to bore the audience. Though it appears rather unprofessional at some moments, this is typically what you'd expect to see from a comedy such as this.


I'm also going to talk about certain areas of the camera movements. When the camera is filming the action scenes; or when it is set on both Paul and the antagonist, camera movements consisting of quick pans, zooms in and out and tilts; typically what you'd expect from tracking shots, especially within an action movie. There is definitely a huge variety of these throughout the scene, far too many to point out individually; though through the clip, it is easy to point them out as they happen. Another interesting point to make is with the other protagonist, Jimmy. When the camera is set onto him, it is much smoother; with less camera movements, and much more stability. Now, this could be due to the fact that the action-packed scenes would typically move around a lot more; though it could also be due to the fact that the characters are being made relatable through age, status and maturity.

Specific aspects to the dialogue spoken also have an effect on the scene as a whole. We here a range of different movie references throughout this scene, and that is what makes kit as successful as it is. These references range from movies spanning through at least 40 years. This would therefore caters for a much wide spectrum of audience, as people from multiple different generations can relate to the characters this way. Not only that, but this makes the scene iconic, as it doesn't follow the typical format of an interrogation scene; unlike that of the Joker's interrogation scene. Genre has had another impact on this, as comedy movies wouldn't generally follow the correct format for something that should be so serious.




Scene Analysis



SHOT NO 1

CUT IN
STILL

    
SHOT NO 2
MEDIUM SHOT
PAN DOWN

SHOT NO 3
MEDIUM LONG SHOT
ZOOM IN, MULTIPLE PANS UP AND DOWN

SHOT NO 4
MEDIUM CLOSE UP
STILL
SHOT NO 5
MEDIUM SHOT
PAN LEFT

SHOT NO 6
MEDIUM SHOT, OVER THE SHOULDER
PAN LEFT

SHOT NO 7
MEDIUM SHOT
ZOOM OUT

SHOT NO 8
MEDIUM CLOSE UP
TRACKING SHOT

SHOT NO 9
MEDIUM SHOT



With the first shot of this set, a sense of dramatic tension as been built, though in a comedic sense. This is because now the audience know the gun isn't loaded, yet the antagonist is unaware of this. When he reacts in a frantic, frightened manner, the audience will find it amusing.



The mise-en-scene is an important factor in these few beginning shots, and these shots could easily be classified as establishing shots. We immediately realise that this must be set in a police establishment of sorts, as the surroundings connote. Though, the background characters are wearing police uniforms, which suggest that they are cops. This is especially important when we take note of the protagonists clothing. We can identify him from extras, as his clothing is much different than that of the characters in the background. This piece of mise-scene also leads us to believe that the main protagonist is working undercover.

Up until shot 3, we hear non-diegetic music. Now, this is typically used in movies to set the mood, and the scene. This especially occurs in this specific type of movie, and can distinguish a lot when it is used correctly. The music we hear here sounds more like theme music. However, once the door has been closed once more, the music cuts out. This draws a clear line between what happens outside the room, and outside in the hallway. This is effective, as when the music cuts out the audience will focus more without generally realizing it.

I want to cover the editing between shots 1-2, as I feel this is distinctly different and effective from the rest of the editing throughout the scene. This is because between each shot the camera is angled somewhat differently, rather than being in a set spot and position. This leads the audience to believe a fair amount of time has passed between each shot, and that the pace is fairly slow, though the shots change just as fast.

The lighting is always an important factor to any movie, and can dramatically effect the mood and feeling that is created. Cop Out is the direct opposite of The Dark Knight, as the lighting here is fa more realistic and simplistic than that of what appears in that crime/drama movie. However, since we are looking at action/comedy, the lighting is different. There are three varying types of lighting throughout this shot, and these are all important, as they are distinct to specific rooms, and the audience can begin to map out where each room is located. In the hallway, we had vey bright lighting, and this distinguished that it was day time. Inside the interrogation room we can see the conventions of a typical interrogation, in that the lighting is somewhat dimmer, and builds a sense of immersion up. Just as I mentioned before with The Dark Knight, audiences typically expect to see an interrogation scene held in a darker dingier room. The lighting we see here is very ordinary and realistic, adding to the immersion of the movie, and creating a very large sense of reality.


During the first few shots of the scene, outside the interrogation room, we have bright, natural light in the backdrop. This is important, as not only does it create a sense of realism, but this also becomes an escape from reality, and is very immersive as opposed to un-natural light. This gives the audience the impression that this is at day time, as opposed to The Joker's interrogation.

Another reason for it to be important, is for the following few scenes, and what happens between both shot 3 and 5. Not only does this entail continuity, but at also involves the 180 degree rule too. This is due to the fact that in shot no 3, we see the placement of both the protagonist and the antagonist. We get a shot of the antagonist at shot 4, and since it is established in the previous shot where he is sitting, neither continuity of the 180 degree rule have been broken. When shot 5 rolls in, we see Paul pointing a gun into the middle distance. This is why the previous couple shots are so important, since they establish where both characters are located.

Shots no 6 and 9 have a lot in common. Again, this is to do with continuity. If we were without shot 6, then the continuity would be broken, and therefore ruin the mood and immersion build up, especially the action. However, with shot no 6, we see where Jimmy is standing, and can begin to map out the room. Our second protagonist is clearly an overseer, and we can tell this from the over the shoulder shot. Not only does this tell the audience that he is very close to the room, but that the other characters cannot initially see him. When shot 9 comes along, we already know that there is an onlooker, rather than being confused with a sudden break to the continuity.


SHOT NO 10
MEDIUM SHOT

SHOT NO 11
MEDIUM SHOT

SHOT NO 12
MEDIUM SHOT

SHOT NO 13
MEDIUM CLOSE UP

SHOT NO 14
MEDIUM SHOT

SHOT NO 15
MEDIUM CLOSE UP

Between shots 10, 11, and 12, we have yet another prime example of continuity and the 180 degree rule, being followed and kept unbroken. This is a vital part of any scene, as the audience are always able to figure out where about specific characters are situated in a room; and are able to map out exactly what the entire room looks like. Also, between cuts, where another shot in another place has been shown, the shot always picks back up in somewhat the same area of the previous one, therefore creating a sense of continuity.

The sound is an important aspect to this scene, as we hear Paul's ringtone, which happens to be a well known song. This sound is diegetic, as it is heard within the narrative, and the characters react to to this. The tune is very well known, and also removes any seriousness the scene could have held beforehand; adding to the light-hearted side of the comedy.

Yet another moment of continuity. We see Paul answering the phone; and this follows on from where we see Jimmy making the call, and when Paul realizes the phone is ringing. Continuity is important, especially in scenes such as these, as it is vital in any genre for the audience not to get confused, unless on purpose.

During the duration of these specific shots, the pace is awfully fast. This is an important convention of the action genre, as the filmmakers wouldn't want the audience to become bored. Since this style of movie is typically aimed at younger target audiences, between the age range of 15-25, you'd typically expect a faster pace. This also builds up adrenaline to some extend, as the scene is action packed, and never boring for a moment. The Dark Knight is typically aimed at an older audience, and therefore takes its time to build suspense and create an atmosphere. Here, the movie is simply being short and sweet; building on the idea of action.

I've noticed that despite how fast this scene in general moves, that sense of continuity and the 180 degree rule are not once broken. The characters never appear on the wrong side of the room; and there is always a somewhat set path for them to follow, as not to break either rule.

SHOT NO 16
MEDIUM SHOT

SHOT NO 17
MEDIUM CLOSE UP

SHOT NO 18
MEDIUM CLOSE UP

SHOT NO 19
MEDIUM CLOSE UP

SHOT NO 19
MEDIUM CLOSE UP

These two shots (16 & 17) in general are interesting and very effective, as they build on the 180 degree. The camera movements here are very effective, as the camera zooms in slowly on the action. However, the action is the most important part here. The two characters in shot are building on the 180 degree rule, as they are looking towards and somewhat communicating with the other protagonist off screen. Now since he has already been shown multiple times, and the audience have a clear idea of where he is, neither rule is broken, and the audience are reminded of the importance of the other protagonist.

With this specific roll of shots, all three characters are in shot. However, with the faster paced action packed scenes from previously, I feel these add more so to the comedy genre.

These shots are very funny and humerous, as well as an escape from reality, and a surprising immersion.

The very last shot is by far the funniest of the scene, and shockingly iconic. The crude imagery which appears in this shot will be something that is comedic to the target audience, which is why this has been done.














Saturday 1 October 2016

(1) The Dark Knight - Interrogation Scene Analysis

The Dark Knight
Image result for the dark knight movie poster
I've gone for two different interrogation scenes, both in different genres. These are definitely some of the most simple yet effective scenes in any movie, and are perfect to show off the skills I have currently.

This is one of my favourite interrogation scenes, as the dramatic vibes created by lighting, simplicity and camera movements are incredible. The Dark Knight is a crime/drama movie.

The things I'll cover for each shot, or set of shots are as follows:
  • Camera Shots
  • Camera Movements
  • Camera Angles
  • Editing
  • Lighting
  • Mise-en-scene
  • Sound

There are also a couple things that I'd like to mention beforehand, as they apply to the entirety of the scene, and can be briefly explained now. The lighting is one of the most important conventions of a drama film, as it can build up that tense and dramatic feel; adding to the immersion the viewer experiences. This lighting is usually specially placed and mapped out for a drama film; unlike genres such as comedy, which rely on normal, everyday lighting.

Another thing to bring up about the lighting, is when we are swapped between shots for both characters. When the Joker is in view, the lighting is extremely dull, and only lights his face; even though this is still rather faint.

However, when the so called protagonist is in view, the lighting is noticeably brighter, and you can make out much more of the character than with the Joker.

This creates a greater understanding of who the characters are; and the audience can begin to relate to the character a lot more. This makes the Joker far more intimidating, whereas we feel safer when the protagonist is on screen.


Now, unlike the editing in the interrogations scene from Cop Out, the editing for this scene is much smoother, and runs much cleaner than the editing seen in Cop Out. Continuity is a lot more frequent in the Joker's interrogation too, as the camera stays stationary and in the exact same space as the shots switch between the Joker and the 'protagonist'.

I've noticed that there aren't many camera angles throughout this scene, and this is actually very important to the scene. Despite the fact that this is an interrogation scene, and it is very dramatic, tense and on edge, having camera angles that are all eye level; or the same for each character, builds the sense of a casual, understanding conversation, that isn't in the slightest anything important. I find this interesting, as it surprisingly adds to the tense vibes the scene is giving off; and the fact that the Joker is increasingly sarcastic.

Between all of the shots, the one most important camera movement would be the zoom in. This occurs very slowly, and continues throughout the entire scene. This is one of the biggest factors to the uncomfortable feeling being built upon. It's unsettling, and works for this specific movie. The camera movements zooming in and out are some of the most frequently used movements in drama film.

However, the camera movements in this specific genre aren't as frequent as in an action or adventure movie.

The mise-en-scene is always an important factor to any movie; any scene. With an interrogation scene, people generally expect to see a police department of some sort, in a dark, somewhat dingy room. The Joker's interrogation pulls off what the audience would expect to see perfectly. The lighting has been controlled to be rather dull and dingy. The room itself is old to an extent, and it is generally a mise-en-scene that builds up tention and an uneasy feeling.

Finally, sound is a convention that must be taken into account. In a drama film of this nature, you wouldn't expect to hear any diegetic music; but rather non-diegetic score. With the Joker's interrogation scene, the only sounds we here are diegetic, such as the dialogue between characters, and the room tone. Now, the reason the room tone is so important, it to add a sense of reality, therefore becoming immersive to the audience. With the need to build a dramatic and tense setting, sound is a very important addition to the mise-en-scene here. Without room tone, the scene would have lost that sense of reality; as you'd expect to hear the buzz of lights, hum of electrics, background sounds, etc.


Scene Analysis

SHOT NO 1
LONG SHOT
EYE LEVEL, OVER THE SHOULDER
ZOOM IN

SHOT NO 2
LONG SHOT
EYE LEVEL
PAN UP

The first thing that I found extremely important in these two shots is the lighting. Though it is what you'd expect to see, it has been set specifically to illuminate the scene for a much more dramatic feel. This is a typical convention of a drama movie, especially one of this type. This is definitely vital for a drama movie, as if the lighting hadn't been specifically thought about and mapped out; the movie wouldn't meet the requirements for a drama. Being apparent in the first few shots, this sets the mood, and builds on the dramatic feeling that'll be built up throughout the entire sequence.

Both the shots seen in the beginning of the scene happen to be long shots; and this is for a specific reason. These are establishing shots. They're setting the scene, and setting the mood for the audience. In any movie, it is vital to set the scene somehow throughout the movie, in order to keep the audience hooked, and not to confuse them. Drama movies tend to use both extreme long shots and long shots for these first few shots; as opposed to movies like Cop Out, of a completely opposing genre. However, this is definitely to do with genre, and the specific conventions they must follow.

The shots that set the scene for this one are made to create a sense of drama, and build up a tense, deep and dark environment. This in turn builds up an escape from reality; and is very immersive to the narrative.

One very minor detail in the very first shot grabbed my attention, and that was the diegetic sound of the door slamming open, then creaking shut. I see this as important, as it grabs the audiences attention, and brings immediate interest to what is going on. Also, the silence between the two characters builds up that all important tense feeling.

There is a small amount of dialogue within these few shots, and its one of the most iconic lines spoken my the Joker.  "Evening, commissioner", is spoken in a tone sarcastic, and again, adds to that tense feeling.

SHOT NO 3
MEDIUM SHOT
EYE LEVEL, OVER THE SHOULDER
PAN DOWN, ZOOM IN

SHOT NO 4
MEDIUM SHOT
HIGH ANGLE, OVER THE SHOULDER
ZOOM IN

There really isn't much to talk about in terms of camera angles here, though, something interesting is the use of over the shoulder shots. This shot type is used in all successful movies. Though, more importantly here; over the shoulder shots are used constantly in interrogation scenes. This in turn builds on the dramatic feel. Usually, you'd expect to see the use of dramatic high and low angles to distinguish between things such as authority, height and gender. However, since the angles used here are only very slight, I feel the over the shoulder shots are used for continuity and the 180 degree rule.

This effects continuity, as the Joker is still in shot, and still in the same place he was sat before. Though the camera has been relocated here, the continuity of the scene has not been broken, as he is still in the shot.

Over the shoulder shots build on tension in a scene, and also work on immersion, as it makes the audience feel as if they are a part of the scene.



SHOT NO 5
MEDIUM SHOT
HIGH ANGLE
ZOOM IN

SHOT NO 6
MEDIUM SHOT
HIGH ANGLE
ZOOM IN, PAN DOWN

SHOT NO 7
MEDIUM CLOSE UP
EYE LEVEL
ZOOM IN, PAN RIGHT

SHOT NO 8
MEDIUM CLOSE UP
EYE LEVEL
ZOOM IN

Again, the lighting focused on the Joker throughout the shots he appears in is one of the most effective parts of the mise-en-scene throughout this scene. It is unsettling, and very dramatic. Also, this focuses on the most iconic thing about the Joker, which is of course his make-up. This part of the mise-en-scene is one of the most important; as costume can change a whole lot.

Considering the Joker is a villain, it is obvious for him to have something distinct about him; and of course, that would be his make up. What I find interesting however, is during the sequence of the scene I am covering, the Joker appears very mysterious, dark, and intimidating. However, the film makers didn't use camera angles to distinguish this. Instead, they have used the lighting to distinguish this; and make the audience feel uncomfortable and unwelcomed in the Joker's presence.

With the so called protagonist in this scene, he wears generally ordinary clothes, and the audience begin to relate to him. Throughout most of the duration, he appears in generally more welcoming lighting and he is typically far more ordinary.

Something I noticed, is how the lighting only illuminates one half of his face; whereas the other half is shadowed out. This is to do with creating that drama, and is used frequently throughout this genre. This is typically something an audience would want to see from an interrogation scene; and is a cliché that is used, much like the lighting that appears on the villain.

SHOT NO 9
MEDIUM CLOSE UP
EYE LEVEL
STILL

SHOT NO 10
MEDIUM CLOSE UP
EYE LEVEL
ZOOM OUT

SHOT NO 11
MEDIUM SHOT
LOW ANGLE, OVER THE SHOULDER
PAN UP

SHOT NO 13
MEDIUM LONG SHOT
LOW ANGLE, OVER THE SHOULDER
PAN RIGHT, PAN DOWN


Pace comes into the equation around about here. Up until shot No. 9, the pace was slow and suspense building. It was building up that tense and uncomfortable feeling. The drama that is build up throughout these slower shots makes the audience feel like something is going to happen, and that something that is action packed will happen; though, we're unsure when, and that is what puts you on the edge of your seat.

However, after this point, the pace quickens. The suspense has been build, the audience are captivated right where the film makers want them. The audience would have been immersed into the movie here, and now the action can be brought on, with the audience having their full attention on what is happening.

this is the point in the scene where camera movements other than zooms in and out are used. The use of the pan right, pan down and zoom in, all at the same time. This is practically a tracking shot, and is effective as the quicker pace sets in. This rises the tension that has already been built, and builds upon the unstable feeling in the air.

There is a change in mood, as there is a very obvious low angle in shot No. 12. Constant use of either eye level shots and slight angles removes the idea of any serious emotions such as fear or anger. However, this makes it all the more dramatic when an angle is used, and suddenly anger is shown. When the protagonist removes the Jokers handcuffs and stands, the camera pans up to a low angle. As the protagonist drops the handcuffs, his character suddenly becomes somewhat intimidating and a figure of authority.

Sound also becomes important at this point. This is because though the tone of the protagonists voice doesn't change much, he does become somewhat louder and raises his voice. With how quiet the dialogue and general sound of the scene was previously, this again makes the effects much more dramatic, and is very, very effective.

SHOT NO 14
CLOSE UP
EYE LEVEL
STILL

SHOT NO 15
MEDIUM SHOT
EYE LEVEL
STILL

Since the dialogue throughout the rest of the interrogation was what you'd typically expect from an interrogation scene. However, specific lines are effective; and build up a stronger relationship between the audience and the characters. Even with the Joker being the obvious antagonist, the audience can begin to like him more, with the main focus being on him and his snarky attitude.

This breaks the usual conventions you'd expect to see from a drama movie, and an interrogation scene, yet at the same time, is what makes the scene in itself so effective.

"The bad cop, good cop routine?"

"Not exactly."

To a surprising extent, this adds to the vibes previously built up through this scene, the uneasy feeling especially. But this isn't necessarily to do with the dialogue which is spoken. Instead, it it more to do with the uncomfortable silence between the characters for a moment. The audience are lead to believe that something is going to happen with the protagonist speaking the words 'not exactly'.

The lighting in the last shot is especially effective, with the use of the vignette effect adding to the uneasy feeling that has slowly been built up throughout the scene. This effect is something that is typically used in drama movies, and you'd expect to see it frequently used to make interrogation scenes that bit more immersive.