Click- analysing a short extract

Throughout this certain scene, extracted from Click, there are many techniques the director has used to add effect and tension. The whole scene, also known as the Mise-en-scene, coincides with the atmosphere as the location is quiet dark and gloomy. Some low-key lighting is featured in the scene, which creates mystery and adds to the sadness, which is shown through the characters facial expression and dialogue. The lighting creates a dark silhouette around the characters, which could outline some sort of danger or hazard.

From the primary characters make up, we can establish that he is quiet weak, also he seems quiet distressed due to the dark circles under his eyes, indicating a lack of sleep. From this the audience can gather that the character is suffering from an illness, also that he is in a poor condition, which gives the viewers an insight as to how the character is feeling, which may lead them to view the character in a certain way.

The setting is not shown in great detail, however the character is outdoors and later is lying on the road. We sympathise for the character as heavy rain is featured in the scene, which creates an obstacle, as the character has to try harder to be noticed, even with his extreme condition. This makes the audience play closer attention, as they want to know how the character solves the problem.
We know that the character is suffering from an illness or is in a critical condition, as he is seen to be wearing a hospital gown. At this point the actor is shaking and shows a form of struggle through his acting and body language, because of this the audience get an insight as to what the character is feeling.

The type of lighting varies throughout the scene as both backlight and filler light are included but at different times. The filler light is used to help soften shadows that are created on the characters face, this is done to make the actors facial expression visible, so the audience knows what he or she is feeling.
A lot of top light was used, again to show the characters expression. Because of this more effect is added, as the audience can see what the characters is going through.
The key light is also used, so that the characters stand out due to the bright influential light.

Both diegetic and non-diegetic sound is included, as there is sound that is coming from watch we are watching, as well as sound added during postproduction. This is done to add effect on the scene, which will help the audience stay focused. The sound brings reality and authenticity to the scene, as the atmosphere seems real. As a result, the audience feel more involved, which makes them pay more attention. The director chose this technique to make the audience feel sympathetic and to bring out their caring side. This will encourage the audience to watch the whole film, as they will have a connection between them and the character.

Parallel sound is present in the sequence, as we would expect to hear this type of music, accompanying the scene. The music is slow and seems quiet soulful. At times the music increases in volume, to intrigue the audience and to grab their attention, this is because the director wants the viewers to pay close attention to certain parts of the scene.

In the extract no edits were used, as the scene was shot in one continuous sequence. If a series of edits were used, the scene would not be as effective, as at times editing can look cheap and unprofessional. Editing could take the effectiveness away from a scene, as the audience could lose concentration and they will be focusing on what types of edits were used, rather than what is actually going on or the dialogue coming from a character.

Throughout the sequence various shots were used to show the character in a different prospective. The shots ranged from long shots to close ups, depending on what type of effect the director wanted to create.
The long shot was used to show the character and his surroundings, which gives the audience a preview as to where and what the setting is. This produces an atmosphere, as the viewers could be familiar with the surroundings. If none of the setting was exposed the scene would be quiet ambiguous, as some of the audience may not know what to expect. Because the setting is shown, the viewers know what to expect and can link it back to the film.

At times close ups were featured to show what the character is feeling, which is demonstrated through their facial expressions. A close up is the most suitable shot to show the characters emotion, as the main focus is the actors face.
Point of view shot was also present, as the audience gets to see what the character is looking at. This creates a form of identification, as the viewers can interact and share a connection between the character. As a result, the audience can identify what the character is seeing from his point of view.

A pan was included in the sequence, as the camera follows the character while he is moving. This shows what the character is passing and the speed at which he is doing this.
Also a zoom out was included to specify that we are moving away from the scene or sequence. This indicates to the audience that the scene is coming to an end.

To summarise the director of the film has chosen his or her techniques very specifically and each method creates a certain atmosphere or mood to coincide with what is going on in the scene. I think the techniques worked very well, as each of them led the audience to feel a certain way towards the character.