Preliminary Task Media Report

Analysis of Opening Film Techniques EmployedFilm TechniquesExamples of typical film techniques used and why Illustrate your findings with references to actual onscreen moments.

Titling colour, font style, over image or black, timing, credits presentation etc

The red, bold, block capital letters, mixed with the small prints of the word `misery` in the background, paints a vivid description of the protagonist in trouble. The red, bold title also connotes that the main character is going to face danger, and it would lead to unfair and unprovoked death or just happening to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Camera Movement

(panning, tracking, crane shot and crabbing etc)

The panning shots, which is used with a tripod to aid capturing the panned pictures, and also making the camera swing along one plane much easier helps maintain the balance of the camera, rather than having a wobbly camera, affecting the footage. This best example of this is the shot of the car driving around the sharp bend with uncontrolled grip and ultimately hurdling towards the forests.

Framing of Shot

(CU, MLS, ELS etc)There are various framing shots used to create a greater effect of certain situations and feelings running through the characters` minds. For example, the point of view shot of the novelist Paul Sheldon, whilst the car tumbles down the woodlands, creates a confused, dizzy and unconscious feeling not just for the character, but also for us as well, because the only thing we can see is the sky, and the many high branches of the trees.

Camera Angles (high and low angles etc

There are a series of high and low angle shots whilst the main character is being accompanied by the psychotic nurse. The high angle shot of the nurse, describes the power she has over the protagonist at this point in time, especially as he is severely injured, meaning he is unable to defend himself. This has been done largely to illustrate the second characters superiority over the main character.

Selection of mise-en-scne including colour, figure, pops, lighting, objects, location and setting;

The selection of mise-en-scene is appropriate to a typical psychological thriller movie. The relatively dark lighting, isolated location, miserable treacherous conditions all replicate that of a movie bound to include tragedy or a horrific accident in which it does.

Editing directions

(Match cuts, jump cut, reverse shots etc)

There are numerous match cuts included in the opening scenes that reflect the continuity of the film, which is effective considering what goes on during that period. The most effective match cut arguably during the opening sequences of the film is the car crash; especially as we the audience is aware of the bad conditions and the car losing grip.

Sound techniques

(diegetic, non diegetic, silence, dialogue

During the exposition of the film, realistic, diegetic sound is included which relates to the fact that the main character has completed his successful romantic novel, and is presumably on his way to have it published. At this point there is no dialogue, as the music continues, until the car loses control of the treacherous blizzard conditions, and careers into the woodlands. All of a sudden there is a halt in the music, which is appropriate considering the circumstances the protagonist is now facing.

Actors positioning and movement