Significantly important characters are introduced by Billy Reynolds, the narrator- his casual persona and what appears as limited perspective suggests in the beginning his lack of free-will, emotion and confidence. In addition, he seems accepting of Jason Locke's (who is neither defined as either a friend or an enemy),actions. An example of this is the brutality Locke demonstrates when the pair arrive at a seafood preparation factory and almost instantly, the character shows an extremely violent side as he attacks one of the workers in charge. Aside from the obvious assumption that something has clearly happened to make Locke lash out in such a way, which presumably links to another storyline in the film, there is still no justification as to why he should assault another person in such an aggressive conduct. Aside from repeatedly punching the character known to us only as "geezer", acid is poured onto his face as he screams in agony. Again, Billy just witnesses the situation and makes no attempts to intervene whilst other members of the institute use the confrontation as an opportunity to form a crowd, also showing no remorse or human compassion. It could even be said that he looks up to him.
Similarly, as the characters drive away in a white van ( classically, symbolism of menace and threat), the pleads of the victim are overhead from the inside as the two engage in normal conversation. One of these phrases that stands out is " Please, my face is burning off", yet the vehicle doesn't halt until it's arrival at a cold cold marsh landscape, where the injured character is thrown out of the van, stumbling ( further confirming the seriousness of his wounds) face down into the water to try and soothe the damage. The fact the two were willing to leave him in such a desperate, cruel situation shows a complete unawareness to their extreme actions, and Billy remarks simply that whilst Jason needed a " new shirt", the man needed a " new face". The tone and expression over how this was said is shockingly casual and one sided. Still, we do not know why the character was abandoned after the ordeal. From the event, we understand who the main antagonist of the film is.
Lastly, the opening credits are effectively put together to represent the theme of tension even further. Scratching as a sound effect, followed shortly by high pitched music, introduces a tough, gritty atmosphere. In relation, the first scene where Billy lifts up his garage door literally ends the credits
by "pulling" the screen out of black into a murky, dusky blue. As he settles into his car, the dusty screen reveals Jason Locke. From this point, the narrator refers to the character even more than himself.
Well organised and articulate though you have a tendency to describe rather than to analyse specific aspects of mise-en-scene. This is because you joined the course late.
ReplyDeleteIn future case studies you need to reference your yellow coursework booklet and look at the conventions of the thriller genre which is in your booklet along with advice about how to improve your analysis. I think you write excellently and would be capable of achieving a well above average mark if you were to read the booklet. I suggest you arrange time to come and see me for a short tutorial in order the come to grips with analysing film language; you are well on the way but need a little more guidance.