The Dark Knight
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.
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.
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