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Camera Work Analysis
Shot Types
• The Resident (2011)• Gone Girl (2014)• Prisoners (2013)
Chosen Trailers
Medium ShotMedium shots are used in the top and bottom
screenshots of my choosing to present the relationship between two or more characters. In the Gone Girl screenshot Ben Affleck’s character is being watched by an elderly couple next to a
picture of a missing girl. From this we can deduce the elderly couple are the parents of the
missing girl who is the male protagonists wife/partner. The Prisoners screenshot shows us how the two male protagonists (although on the same side) can oppose each other and become angry in what is perceived to be a quite tense
and volatile friendship.However in the middle left screen shot from The Resident the medium shot is used purely for the purpose of showcasing the characters dress and what she is doing (pouring drinks) this presents a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere to show that the character’s everyday lifestyle will inevitably take
a turn for the worse.
Gone Girl
The Resident
Prisoners
Close UpsClose up shots are mostly used in my chosen
trailers to bring the expression of a character to the forefront of the scene. This brings the
individual’s emotions to the forefront of the viewers mind through the reading of body
language and facial expressions. In all 3 of my screenshots close ups have heightened the
emotion portrayed by the character to the point where the audience will adopt a similar
viewpoint of the situation at hand. For example in the ‘Prisoners’ screenshot the male
protagonist has a vengeful expression which is made unavoidable by the close up, this engages
the audience more with the feelings of the character making them hungry for retribution
within the plot of the film.
Gone Girl
The Resident
Prisoners
Extreme Close UpsIn the Gone Girl screenshot an extreme close up is used to present
a photo to the audience which is integral to the plot line.
In the middle screen shot of ‘The Resident’ an extreme close up of the antagonists eye has been used to further the disturbing and
perturbing effect the feeling of being watched has on the audience. With this scene there is no choice but to use an extreme close up as the character is looking through a very small gap which would not be recognised by the viewer any other way which reinforces the point that the protagonist has no idea they are being watched.
Extreme close ups are used in the ‘Prisoners’ trailer to show a figure we cannot see drawing a series of lines, leaving the audience
to question what the drawing is of and wanting answers. This engages the viewer further.
Gone Girl
The Resident
Prisoners
Over the Shoulder ShotIn all three of my chosen trailers an over the
shoulder shot is used to showcase the protagonists interaction with either another
character or an image central to the plot line.In the Gone Girl screenshot Ben Affleck’s
character consoles his crying wife and we see his arms up, hands touching her face. This use of the over the shoulder shot leads us to believe
that the two maintain a physical relationship but the look on the female characters face makes the audience question whether she fears the
physical capabilities of her husband.In the screenshot from the resident the
protagonist can be seen looking at CCTV footage, this provides more information on the plot of the film (being that there is a stalker in
the protagonist's home).The screenshot from Prisoners is similar in that the over the shoulder shot is used to show the detective protagonist examining a clue key to
the plot of the film.
Gone Girl
The Resident
Prisoners
Establishing ShotEstablishing shots are used in all 3 of my trailers to present the environment where the majority of the plot of the film will unfold. The Gone Girl
screen grab portrays the film as taking place in a built up urban city environment (recognisable by
the inclusion of a bridge and cars).The screenshot from ‘The Resident’ trailer is taken in the middle of a panning shot of an apartment. This gives the viewer a general
overview of the apartments layout indicating that this is where most of the action will take place. The same technique is employed in the
Prisoners trailer screenshot however the inclusion of the sky and trees indicates that the mid winter outdoors will be a primary setting.
Gone Girl
The Resident
Prisoners
Long ShotThe examples of long shots I have used all
expose the full figures of the people shown on screen.
The Gone Girl screenshot showcases a silhouette of Ben Affleck’s character which is emphasised through the use of a long shot, this exaggerates his size and imposing walk makes the character
appear more physically formidable and someone to be feared.
In contrast to this the screenshot from ‘The Resident’ exaggerates how dainty and fragile the female protagonist appears by showing her full
thin figure.The screenshot from Prisoners utilises a long
shot again to emphasise the small stature and fragility of featured characters however on this occasion the figures depicted are two female
children.
Gone Girl
The Resident
Prisoners
Low Angle ShotThe low angle shot from the gone girl trailer
positions the male protagonist higher in the shot than both the missing persons profile and the
elderly couple this can be inferred by the audience to mean that Ben Affleck’s character is
of greater importance in the film.The low angle shot used in the screenshot from
The Resident helps emphasise the female characters struggle to break open a locked door from this angle we see her try and wrangle with the lock to no great effect which portrays her as
weak and helpless.The final screenshot from Prisoners exposes the
body position of the male protagonist as he bends over with one arm outstretched to steady himself over a drop of some sort. From the scenes before
this we can deduce that the situation could be dangerous and the fact that this low angle now
showcases his weak stature presents him as vulnerable in the situation.
Gone Girl
The Resident
Prisoners