Cop Out
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
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.
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