Shelter Scene Deconstruction 2

Camera Angles 

• A mid shot presents Zach in the far end of the frame and his friend in the other, which shows the distance between them as his friend tries to talk to him. It portrays Zach’s sense of isolation, shame and embarrassment, which may be a common feeling among people when they discover they are gay.

• Close ups are used throughout the first half of the conversation as Zach’s friend brings up the fact that he knows that Zach is gay. This helps present the idea that he is isolating himself as opposed to being open about his sexuality through showing him alone in one shot. However, as the conversation begins to open up, mid shots and over the shoulder shots are used again.

Editing

• A panning shot is used to follow Zach as he walks away from his friend at the counter. This shows how he is trying to avoid discussing his sexuality with anyone. Also, the idea of following him as he moves away could represent how people may be looking at or talking about him as they hear the controversial news.
• Shot-reverse-shot is used between the two characters as the conversation becomes more intense and Zach begins to respond. We get a greater sense of Zach’s emotions of anger and embarrassment as we are able to see his reaction to each piece of dialogue from his friend.

Sound

• The diegetic piece of dialogue from Zach’s friend, “Why didn't you tell me?” triggers the topic of the conversation and immediately shows us that Zach tried to avoid the conversation by turning his back and walking away. This shows how many are ashamed of their sexually and try to keep it to themselves.
• When Zach’s friend suggests that he knows, Zach’s diegetic dialogue “I don’t know what you’re talking about” suggests that he is desperately attempting to avoid the topic of his sexuality or even that he may be in denial about this change.

Mise-en-Scene

• The entire scene is situated in an empty café. The idea that there is no one else around further isolates Zach. It also leaves him completely alone with his friend, forcing him to face up to what he is asking and partake in the conversation.

• Zach is carrying a tea towel round which offers him a prop to excuse himself from the conversation and direct eye contact with his friend. This shows how he is reluctant to face up to the truth about his sexuality.