RESEARCH: Conclusions

What do the opening two minutes of your film deconstructions have in common?

• All of the opening two minutes of my deconstructions start with a shock, or something that will prove to be important later on the film. There is usually speech involved as well. This helps the audience immediately relate to the character. The first two minutes involve the main character(s), to help the audience gain an understanding as to who is heavily involved in the film.

What is generally established in the first two minutes?

• Setting• Main characters• Basic storyline• Theme of film (established using sound)• Pace

These are all established using the four technical codes; sound, editing, camera work and mise en scene.

Can you detect any similarities in the use of the four technical codes?

• I deconstructed four action films as part of my research. The main similarities between the four films were the soundtracks. If used, they all created suspension and built up to something. Camerawork was often shaky which also created tension, and jump cuts were also used a lot. Continuity editing was also used to a great extent. Mise en scene was used to reflect what was happening in the scene itself.