Shelter Scene Deconstruction 1

Camera Angles

• Mid shots are used throughout this scene; however they are done with a hand help camera. The shakiness of the camera emphasizes the anger and unsteadiness in the conversation, showing how it is becoming out of control and turning into a row.
• The consistent use of mid shots allows us to focus mainly on the characters and isolates them in the conversation. This helps us to understand clearly what is going on and the importance of the dialogue within this scene.

Editing

• Shot-reverse-shot is the main technique used throughout this scene. It shows the flow of the conversation and adds pace as it flips fluently from one character to another. This shows the tension and anger between the two characters.
• A tracking shot (broken up in placed by mid shots of Genie) follows Zach as he enters the room and approaches the chair. It draws attention to him. We can tell from this that his secret about his relationship with Shaun is out as Genie is portrayed as disappointed and upset and the camera is focusing on him. This prepares us for what is to come.

Sound

• The diegetic piece of dialogue: “Please tell me he’s just confused” said by Zach’s sister, Genie, opens the conversation and represents the idea that homosexuality is still seen from a negative perspective my many people in society.
• Another piece of diegetic dialogue used that highlights the prejudice Genie has against homosexuality is, “Oh I see so it’s the family gene that’s making you run off and have your big gay wedding. You gonna make the family proud?” Her sarcastic tone shows that she is ashamed of her brother’s sexuality. The fact that she is also using their family against him shows that she believes that everyone should agree with her on the basis that homosexuality is wrong. This is an example of how part of society has not accepted homosexuality, causing people to be ashamed of it and wish to hide, like Zach has been doing.

Mise-en-Scene

• As Zach enters the house, a mid shot shows his sister smoking and looking upset. The cigarette could have connotations of depression or stress, therefore emphasizing her disappointment and how negatively her discovery of her brother’s sexuality has affected her.

• Zach is wearing a casual, dark t-shirt and hoodie which is masculine and typical of a young person of his age. However this subverts the stereotype of him being a typical, homosexual man as he does not appear feminine in any way.