INITIAL RESEARCH/PLANNING: Hard Candy Scene

Hard Candy



At the very beginning of Hard Candy, the audience can only see a blackout followed by diegetic sound of a typical 'bleep' notification sound of a some sort of messaging or networking site. This sound and how it was effectively used is something we want to implement in our trailer beginning.

In this scene, the two protagonists are instant messaging each other flirtatious and suggesting messages and although it doesn’t give much away about the actual characters, I thought it would be something interesting to put in our trailer to show the relationships blossoming through the internet between our protagonist.

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Shelter Scene Deconstruction 3

Camera Angles

• Over the shoulder shots are used throughout the conversation. Unlike the previous scene’s, it involved both characters in the shot, showing he is opening up and feels less ashamed about confessing his sexuality.

• An establishing shot is used at the end of the scene as opposed to the beginning. This shows a vast horizon as the sunset over the sea. We can see a silhouette as Zach is able to hug his ex-girlfriend. By placing this at the end of the scene it could represent a sense of closure as Zach admits for the first time that he is gay, and settles things with his ex.

Editing

• Shot-reverse-shot shows the conversation runs smoothly. In previous scene the conversations are interrupted by single close ups long pauses, however here we can clearly see both characters as they engage in conversation. It shows there is less tension as Zach adapts to his sexuality and becomes more comfortable as he is able to open up about his secret.

Sound

• The diegetic piece of dialogue from Zach, “You’re the only reason I wish I wasn’t”, shows us that he is no longer ashamed of his sexuality and is comfortable telling people. It also portrays the mutual feeling of agreement as both him and his ex girlfriend accept this new change and come to an understanding.
• In the piece of dialogue Zach’s ex girlfriend asks “do you love him?” Zach responds with “oh come on…” This shows that although he is admitting to his sexuality, there is still some level of embarrassment which may be difficult for most people to overcome when admitting to such a big change. There is still a sense that some people will be no be accepting of issues such as this, which could cause Zach to be ashamed.

Mise-en-Scene

• The setting of the scene is very tranquil and has a calm ambiance. The use of a beach as the sunsets could portray Zach’s feelings as he clears his head and is able to be open about his sexuality for the first time in the movie. It portrays a sense of peace and relief for both characters after the confusion and arguments that have occurred.

• The natural lighting as the sunsets also adds to the peaceful ambiance. It helps portray how calm Zach is as he talks to someone so close to him about being gay, as he had struggled to with his sister and his best friend. This shows us that he has truly come to terms with his sexuality.

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.

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.

Untraceable Scene Deconstruction 2

Editing

• A grey tint is used throughout the scene. This creates the impression of a dull day and creates a negative atmosphere of foreboding.
• An eye line match from a shot of the girl, then the computer, shows us it has caught her attention. It highlights the importance of the computer and raises our awareness of the threat it is posing.

Camera Angles

• At the beginning of the scene, we see an establishing shot of what appears to be a typical family home. The dull tone surroundings and grey shades of the house dim the mood and it appears menacing. This seems to be a depressing environment and puts us at unease about what events may take place next.

• A long shot of the house, as the woman approaches in the foreground is used as she walks towards the camera pointing her gun. This puts us in perspective of the camera and we are able to see her anger and fear as the knocks it over.

Sound

• A non diegetic, subliminal, high pitched screech, like long violin notes can be heard as the girl notices a film of their house on the computer and goes on to look out the window. This adds to the sense of shock and is very ominous as it begins to build up. This is a common convention of horrors/thrillers.
• When the woman answers her phone and looks in horror after what she hears, the non diegetic soundtrack becomes louder, and more layers. This creates tension and emphasises the idea of danger.
• As the woman open the door, the non diegetic music become louder and more layered yet again as piano notes begin to repeat. This further builds the tension and the idea of a discovery.

Mise en Scene

•  When we are introduced to the mum in this scene, she is wearing denim jeans and a plain blue top. This represents her as a casual character, playing a simple role in her home as a mother. This is later juxtaposed by the use of a gun, when she has a stronger role in need of protecting her daughter.

• The woman leaves the house holding a gun; a common convention within horrors, thrillers or crime movies. This helps portray her role as a police detective and portrays the idea of danger and a need to protect. 

Untraceable Scene Deconstruction 1

Editing

•  Shot reverse shot is uses as the two characters talk, allowing us to see each characters reactions and match the dialogue to their expressions and gain an understanding of the panic and conflict it creates.
• A panning shot from the door, across the office gradually shows us the busy room full of police, computers and paper documents scattered about. This introduces us to the busy atmosphere and sense of emergency.

Sound

• Throughout the scene there are no non-diegetic sounds until the piece of dialogue from the man as he says “I’m sorry Marsh. I got no choice.” The non-diegetic soundtrack of short, high pitch piano notes can be heard sublimely. This could put emphasis on the fact that what he has decided to do may be dangerous, giving a sense of foreboding about what is to come.
• The piece of diegetic dialogue: “I swear I’ve seen this guy before.” Followed by: “Yeah, we all have, he’s David Williams. He used to be a reporter for channel 12. He now hosts a TV show” also plays on the idea of the media and technology having some form of power over us. A familiar face from the TV is beings used as a target which will have a greater effect on the public as it is someone they all recognise and therefore grabs their attention. This could also show that if it was someone ordinary that had not been made famous through the media, than the site would be less viral.

Camera Angles

• Over the shoulder shots are used as the two characters talk to each other. This isolates their conversation and allows us to focus entirely on what each of them are saying. It also highlights the idea of threat posed by the computer criminal and the state of panic and confusion it is causing the police department.

• A close up of the woman at the end of the conversation with her boss shows the look of distress on her face. This helps us to understand that he may be making the wrong choice and we gain a sense of concern for what will follow.

Mise en Scene

• The office is a dull blue and each character appears to be in black/dark clothing. Also, a dark tint seems to have been used throughout the scene. These all factor towards the atmosphere created, which is dull and monotonous.

• Through the use of a dark tone, it causes the main protagonist to stand out in her pink jumper and highlight her as the hero or even isolate her, as she seems incapable of winning over her boss with her opinion on the case.

Catfish Scene Deconstruction 3

Camera Angles

• An extreme close up of a Google web search shows the use of technology. This shows the impact that a major search engine has upon modern society. This displays the speed at which our modern World is able to search the internet as Google leads our main protagonist to the song he has searched for.

• A close up shot of our main protagonist, ‘Nev’ and his friend shows their reaction to the web search that reveals the true composer of the song they have been listening to. This few seconds of footage shows us the power technology has over our modern World to the point that someone can actually fake multiple identities. However, the silent reaction of Nev shows us how humans have adapted to the modern technologies on offer and can therefore use it to, in this case, uncover the truth.
• A mid shot of Nev reacting to the video footage he is being shown, further enhances my point that humans have a certain level of power and control over the technology our race have created.
• A low angle shot of Nev talking to his friends about the online chat session he is having with Megan, clearly displays how technology has enabled better communication on a global scale. This means that people can meet each other over the internet but never meet in a physical form. This can be seen as both a positive and a negative in my opinion.

Editing

• One editing technique that is used multiple times during this scene is that of eye line match. For example; a close up is shown of Nev discussing the music clip with his friends, what follows this is an extreme close up of the laptop screen displaying the music clip he has been discussing.

Sound

• The use of non diegetic sound isn’t present in this clip at any point as it is in so many films. However, what is less regularly used generally is put to good use here. Nev and his friends are discussing the songs that Megan is posting online; this is a diegetic audio from the laptop, this use of sound follows the piece of dialogue; “let’s check it out”. The songs are played for the characters to listen to and react to. This use of technology means that we can watch a group of people in a film listening to a sound clip on a laptop.

Mise-En-Scene

• The use of props is very evident within this scene. The main prop on show is Nev’s laptop. The laptop is the focal point within this scene and therefore the emphasis is on the use of this piece of technology.

INITIAL RESEARCH/PLANNING: Catfish Scene Deconstruction 2

Editing

• Eye-line-match is used when we can see the character holding his phone, scrolling through text, which then cuts to a shot of his face, as he keeps glancing down at the phone in his hand.
• A short montage of close ups from facebook discussions highlights the use of social networking and the high involvement of technology within the relationship. We never see any actual footage of the woman or them speaking in person which also shows how much they rely on facebook to communicate.

Sound

• The diegetic soundtrack of a light, upbeat piano tune creates a cheerful ambiance, and creating a sense of romance between the protagonist and his online girlfriend.
•  “If we met each other, and the attraction exists in real life” This piece of diegetic dialogue shows much of a hold technology has over this relationship. They already know they have an attraction for each other, without meeting and there is still some uncertainty about whether or not they would ever meet which is shown through the use of the word “if”. This is a typical convention of a stereotypical online relationship.

Camera Angles

• There is an extreme close up of main protagonists smile, after an extreme close up of the computer screen showing a status update. This shows the connection between the two characters and the positive relationship they have. It emphasis the fact that she makes him happy.

• An extreme close up of a laptop/computer screen and a close up showing the use of a mobile phone emphasises the extremities of technology and how they are a strong, unavoidable form of contact within today’s society.

Mise en Scene

• The use of a computer/laptop is apparent, showing a facebook conversation and status update. This show how social networking is being used as a means of contact between the two characters.

•  Someone is holding a phone and scrolling through a text conversation. Another way in which the characters keep in touch.
• The fact that we never see the characters have a discussion in person, and we only meet the man, not the woman, creates suspicion. These are common conventions of a typical virtual relationship.

Catfish Scene Deconstruction 1

Editing

• As Angela lists all the characters she created on facebook, a collage of facebook profile pictures appears over the long shot of Angela and Nev in the background. These images contrast with the camera angle as we can see both her and her fake identities. By doing this, it also gives as a more visual amount of how many people she could create on facebook, showing us how easy the internet makes things such as this today.

Sound

• When Nev asks how Angela kept track of all her fake identities she responded with this diegetic piece of dialogue: “luckily it was on facebook and I could go back and re-read it.”
• The diegetic dialogue from Nev: “How many people where there?” followed by Angela’s reply: “A lot” shows us that technology makes it easy to invent not only one fake identity, but many, and fool people about who you truly are for such a long period of time.
• As each profile picture appears on the screen while Angela makes her list, there is the non diegetic sound of a mouse click. This emphasis the involvement of a computer to access these facebook pictures in the first place.

Camera Angles

• A long shot is used to show us both Angela and Nev in the shot. This shows us the real life characters are meeting in person, as to their usual relationship where they communicated only through a piece of technology such as online or over the phone.

• Close up of Angela as she confesses all her techniques on how to keep up with her virtual life. This focus’ on her as one person, as opposed to her many other identities, and allows us to have a greater connection with her as she tells the story. We can see her face in more detail, showing she is comfortable and open about what she has done. This could resemble how people have a more blasé attitude to occurrences such as this on the internet, as it is believable in our modern society with the technology we are provided with.

Mise-en-Scene

• There are paintings scattered about the room, which shows the only real aspect of their relationship, as they bonded through the paintings she was sending them. This portrays that although, truly, they don’t even know each other, there is still that connection between them which has no link to technology, which was what caused them to have this fake perception of each other.

iRobot Scene Deconstruction 3

Editing

• A tracking shot is used at the start of the scene to show the three Robots walking down the steps towards the human lady. This allowed a chance to see the difference in status between the robots and the human as it meant the camera could level out from where it had originally been at a low angle.
• A highly effective rotating bird’s eye view or high angle shot is used to show the Robot lying on an operating table whilst the human walks around in to position. This particular shot was probably carried out using a crane; this can be very effective for breaking up long discourse in scenes such as this. 
• An effective use of match on action is put on display in this scene when the Robot (Sonny) is being lowered in his chair and the camera, again most likely set up on a crane, tilts with the subject in synchronous fashion.
• A medium long shot of the human lady pans round and becomes a wide angle or two shot of both our subjects. This is a greatly effective way of introducing another character in to the frame.

Sound

• At the beginning of this clip, non-diegetic soundtrack consisting of long violin notes is used creating a negative atmosphere and portraying the idea of sadness, preparing the audience for sombre mood. 
• The non-diegetic sound track continues throughout the scene. At one point the sound hits a very low pitch which, through the use of match on action, syncs in with the question and answer dialogue occurring on screen, and helps to create tension when there is a long pause in the discourse.

Camera Angles

• A low angle mid shot shows the Robots to be of a high status and with an evident level of power. However, that soon changes when the human lady orders two of the robots to leave. This shows me that without humans this Robot and therefore all technology would not exist nor would it evolve.

• A  close up of both the human lady and the Robot shows an affectionate moment between a human and a created form of technology. This denotes the feeling that technology can have a huge impact over humans as we can find ourselves having feelings for the things we have created, as they are so close to our own image, feelings such as sorrow; as is expressed in this scene.
• An extreme close up of a piece of non verbal communication in the form of hand holding between the human and the robot, further highlights my point that humans can see technology as equal and perhaps even like themselves.
• A long shot of the robot and the woman with three lifeless robot dummies in the foreground reminds us that without humans this development in technology would not exist and therefore, humans carry the power.

Mise – En –Scene

• The scene begins in what can only be described as the ideal setting. In a film about Robots, set in the future and with the latest technology this laboratory really fits in with the film’s feeling.

• The use of clean white colours being used in the setting gives of a feeling that this is a futuristic film. This idea has been around for many years and so we associate it with technological advances that can only possibly arise in the future.
• The Robots themselves are also clean and sharp looking, much like the setting. This shows me that the humans have created the Robots in the image of a perfect human being.

iRobot Scene Deconstruction 2

Editing

• The camera pans to the left then zooms in as the character realizes what has happened. This highlights the shock and disbelief the character is feeling as the shot begins to focus more on her.
• Eye-line-match is used as ‘V.I.K.I’ states “some humans must be sacrificed”. She says this as we see a close up of the detective, who then looks over as we are shown a close up of a body. The dialogue is parallel to the shots we are shown and shows us the seriousness of the situation and the events that have begun.
• A blue tint/blue lighting is used to show the idea of technology and its importance within the scene as it is a very futuristic, mechanical colour tone.

Sound

• Non diegetic, light piano tune playing before detective says “Viki”. As she appears there is the non diegetic sound of a symbol. This portrays the idea of a discovery and introduces viki as the enemy.
• The diegetic digital sound as V.I.K.I appears adds greater effect to her computerised appearance and emphasises the fact that she is a piece of technology, not a human being.
• A subliminal, non diegetic soundtrack is being played in the back ground. It sounds like long violin notes which create a disturbing atmosphere, showing the idea of danger. It is more effective in conveying the characters realisation as they discover the technology is becoming smarter, and a threat to humanity.
• A high pitched, diegetic digital sound can be sublimely heard as other robots approach and ‘V.I.K.I’ continues to speak. This causes us to become more aware of the mechanical figures as they surround the humans, expressing  the threat the technology has on humanity.

Camera Angles

• Close ups are used of the two human characters through the scene as they realise what ‘V.I.K.I’ is doing. These close ups gradually zoom in throughout the scene which increases tension and makes the scene more dramatic. It also shows us, without us directly seeing them both, that they are exchanging eye contact and silently communicating.

• Throughout the beginning of the scene, close ups are mainly used, therefore, when a long shot is used to show us the whole room, we are able to observe that other robots are approaching and surrounding the humans, adding to the idea of danger.

Mise en Scene

• ‘V.I.K.I’ is a pixelated cube that hovers within the room. This helps portray the idea that she is a digital life form and appears very futuristic.

• We see a close up of the woman holding a gun in her hand. This piece of mise en scene is a convention of the action genre. From this, we can tell that she feels the need to defend herself, under the threat of the surrounding robots and as she listens to ‘V.I.K.I’.

iRobot Scene Deconstruction 1

Editing

• A quick paced panning shot from the moment of her realization at the window right until the woman gets to the door puts emphasis of the rush she is in. The quick swift movement as she runs to her door shows a sense of urgency and danger.
• Shot-reaction-shot is used between the woman and the robot as she attempts her escape. The switching of camera angles between them is fast which adds pace. Through doing this we can also see the role each character plays, the robot having a stern looking and being, overall, more powerful, and the woman looking helpless and afraid.

Sound

• A loud, sudden, non-diegetic drum like sound plays as the robot makes an abrupt appearance. It creates a sense of fear a shows that the robot poses a threat at this point.
• The soft, non diegetic soundtrack of violin strings has a minor tone to it which creates a negative atmosphere and hints at an idea of foreboding.
• The non-diegetic soundtrack gradually becomes more layered and builds up to a climax as the protagonist enters and shoots the robot. This builds up tension and makes the scene more dramatic, stressing the concept of danger for humanity.

Camera Angles

• An over the shoulder tracking shot is used as the woman backs away from the robot. This portrays the idea that the robot poses a threat and has a more dominant role than the female, making it clear that she is scared. At this point the technology has power over humanity.

• A low angle shot as the woman looks up at the robot shows us the power and authority he has as he speaks to her. The idea that he towers above her makes him look intimidating and strong.

• This is juxtaposed by one of the following camera angles, which is another low angle shot; however it is of the main protagonist after shooting the robot. This reinforces human power within the scene and gives us a greater sense of safety.

Mise-En-Scene

• Dark lighting is used, casting shadows over the setting. This causes the red glow of the robots light to stand out which could emphasize its connotations of danger and depict the risk the woman is at.
• The protagonist enters holding a gun. This manual piece of technology juxtaposes the artificial intelligence. It also reinforces the human power over the technology as he uses this gun to kill the robot.