GCSE Media: Exam Paper Textual Analysis Action Adventure Q2-

Q2. Explain how each of the following is used to create effects:

• soundtrack
• editing
• mise-en-scene
• camerawork

Use examples from the extract. [20 marks]


Camera- At the beginning of the extract, an establishing shot is used to set the scene for the audience, this creates a sense of atmosphere and tension and sets the scene as a huge battle. In this extract, the establishing shot is shown with the helicopters and the military-type buildings. Subsequently, the camera shot turns into a tracking shot to give an overview of the rest of the characters to make the audience feel as though they are involved in the action . A point-of-view shot is applied which connotes to the audience the emotions of the characters. In the extract, the main character tries to detach himself from the exploding ship and frantically reaches for the eject button. The audience will be able to feel the sense of urgency which builds up tension as the camera looks quickly around the scene. The use of a hand-held camera shot during a battle scene creates a very 'personal' view and makes the audience experience themselves in the action. This also adds to the chaotic feel of the battle in action. Furthermore, the use of shallow focus shots enables the audience to focus on the protagonist and signifies his presence and reinforces his bravery. The use of dolly zoom also reinforces the idea of heroism and courage as the hero stays the same size on the frame as the background size changes. In the extract, it gives the audience knowledge of the chaos and frenzied atmosphere.

Editing- Throughout most of the extract fast-paced editing is used to build up mood and atmosphere, especially to create tension through action-packed scenes. As the genre is Action-Adventure, it also clashes with the Sci-Fi genre, hence the use of CGI (Computer Generated Imagery). This editing feature enables the graphic alien species in the extract to look realistic and believable to the audience. Alternatively, the shot-reverse-shot enables the audience to identify the dialogue between to characters. In the extract, this is shown at the point where Cage (the main character) has found Rita and the camera flips back and forth between each characters as their dialogue is being said. This helps to maintain audience involvement. Cross-cutting is used to build suspense between 2 different scenes. This can be shown through the battlefield scene crossing between the main characters fighting and another character battling elsewhere to show the whole area. Cut editing is used to abruptly transition from one scene to another. It is often used throughout the extract, specifically when Cage dies and wakes up of the ship. This connotes a change in scenery and therefore an abrupt difference between the two scenes and draws the audiences attention to the editing, similarly, to a jump-cut shot. Continuity editing shots draw attention to the flow of the scene and emphasizes smooth transition of time and space. Consequently, the film is quite controversial in the way that it plays with the nature of time travel throughout the narrative.

Sound- At the start of the extract, non-diegetic sound is used to create suspense and anticipation for the audience with the soundtrack. In addition, diegetic sound is also used throughout the entire extract as it has an on-screen source such as dialogue and sounds form the battlefield. This adds to the sound bridge which follows sounds throughout multiple scenes such as gunfire and shouting which can be heard through the images of the protagonist and the other characters in battle. This connotes to the audience how the scenes are 'linked' together. Synchronous sound is also used effectively in order to build up tension and helps the audience to feel more immersed in the action as it is sound that are expected. Referring to the extract, these would be the sounds of warfare: gunfire, shouting, crashing, explosions etc. The directors intentions for this would have been to make the audience believe that they are involved in the action as the sounds are expected and it helps to set the scene so they can focus on the characters.

Mise-En-Scene- Mise-en-scene is predominantly used throughout the entire extract-this may be down to the props, lighting, costumes etc. used to create a visual impact on the audience. The costumes are futuristic as they are large and heavy pieces of amour and have various technological devices strapped to them. This signifies to the audience that the time period is in the future rather than in today's world and makes them believe that anything is possible which is the normal stereotypical depiction of the future/unknown. The props used are fairly basic in terms of the warfare scene as mainly weapons are used and the audience will often find themselves briefly visualising segments of debris and machinery on the floor. In terms of relationships with characters, the extract seems to promote the significance of women in warfare, due to the main character finding Rita who seems to be a character with lots of experience and knowledge of what is going on and the advice that she gives to Cage. These all add up to generalise the scene and create visual effects that make the scene seem realistic whether the audience are aware of this or not.