Analysis of Microelements by Jack

Analysing the microelements in a film clip

Props – The props in this scene produce much tension. Firstly, the guns are used to show power and also show the characters for what they really are. Jake has the gun to do justice with and return the money for evidence however, Alonzo wants to get rid of Jake and keep the money which creates suspense and the viewer wants to know who will win. The police badge is effectively used to show that Alonzo is not doing his duty as a police officer and Jake snatches it from his neck. The part where he goes to pick up his cigarettes builds up a quick burst of tension because it looks like Alonzo is going to pick the up gun.

Setting – The setting reflects back on Alonzo and what sort of person he is. The setting is a dark street which represents a “hood”, which shows that its not only a dangerous place but where Alonzo had once been powerful because he was a dirty cop.

Camera Angles – Lots of high angles are used on Alonzo to represent losing his power. Jake is shown with low angles to show the viewer he is the “hero” of the scene. There’s a mid shot of a person in the background with a gun which immediately makes the viewer think he is going to shoot someone, however the camera then tracks the gun to show it being put on the floor which relives the viewer. As the scene progresses the Alonzo gets up and the camera angles are even, which produces even more tension for the viewer because the fight between the two looks as if its equal. There is also a close up on Alonzo’s face just before he goes to pick up the gun, which shows his determination of getting the money. Another close up on Alonzo’s face after he tries to pick up the gun and gets shot to show the viewer his anger and emotions A tracking shot is used when Jake is walking off, which shows that Jake has won the battle.

Colour/lighting – The colour of the scene is dark and so is the lighting to represent Alonzo and his past. The darkness also is used to show that anything can happen and it’s unpredictable.

Make up – Fake blood is used on both Jake and Alonzo the show the fight they have been through. It also shows that both characters have been through a lot .

Sound – The scene is dialogue led so does not have any background music while they are talking. I think this is used to make the viewer focus on the characters over anything else. The diegetic sound used in this scene is the cigarette lighter which makes a gritty loud noise, and the gun which when it is loaded creates suspense and when its finally shot, it shocks the viewer. Non-diegetic sound is used when Jake is walking off as slow music plays, which makes the viewer feel emotional as Alonzo breaks down.