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Edward Scissorhands deconstruction
Titles
The titles are all done in different ways such as
the one to the right has a black background and
white bold eligible writing. The writing moves in
slowly diagonally and stays there for a few
moments before expanding and fading away.
However the titles are also present in
completely different way such as instead ofhaving a plain edited back ground these titles
are presented in a more interesting way by
having the words over the top of objects and
places in the scenes. The titles are also a dark
blue colour which creates a cold, dark
atmosphere. The writing however is kept
throughout the credit which gives the film a
professional feel to it. This is a way of intriguing
the viewer and making the film seem interesting
and creative.
Camera shots
During the first few minutes of the film we are
presented with an establishing shot. The
establishing shot sets the scene in the film. In
this shot we are presented with a dark old
mansion which we would generally see a frightening and creepy which gives
the start of the film an interesting unexpected twist as we usually associate old
mansions with horror films which is a countertype. However later events show
that this film is more of a comedy/romance with elements of horror.
Establishing shots are used frequently in this film such as when everyone fromthe same neighbourhood are all getting into their cars to go to work which
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gives the scene a suburban feel, also the fact
that all of the houses are the same style and
shape which gives the viewer the impression
that everyone is identical to one another
which is a stereotypical view of society. Which
creates a comfortable safe atmosphere in
this scene which is completely the opposite
too the first scene.
In this film long shots occur frequently which
adds an element of interest, long shots also
captures more in one shot which enables you
to see the surroundings more clearly and the
people. In this scene a long shot is used to
show how vulnerable Edward is and how he is
not used to human interaction. This shot also
can come across as a dark scene to the dark
lighting, and the dark figure standing in the
corner of the derelict room. , however as he
grows more confident that he is safe a mid
shot is then shown of him.
When characters are speaking to one another
during different scenes over the shoulder
shots are used which makes a mundane
conversation more interesting and enjoyable.
Over the shoulder shots are also useful to see
how other are feeling about what has been
said. Such as in the first 5 minutes of the film
Edward and Sue are engaging in a conversation. With the use of an over the
shoulder shot we can see that Sue is concerned of Edwards well being and
feels obliged to help him out.
There are also many close ups in this film which allows you to see how people
are feeling they also allow the viewer to have an emotional connection with
each individual character. One of the main scenes that use close ups a lot is
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when Edward first goes to Sues house and is introduced to her family. This is
due to the fact that the characters have noticed that hes different and want to
have a closer look at him. We are also presented with a stereotypical scene
where all of the women from the neighbourhood gossiping and being nosey.
As they want to meet the new stranger in their friends house. Close ups are
used for this scene as they allow the viewer to see exactly how each individual
woman is feeling which allows the audience to be able to relate to each
character
Mise-en-scene
Right at the start of the film we are
presented with low key lighting in the
mansion, this adds to the level of uncertainty
and enables the viewers to feel unsafe.
Low key lighting is also used when we are
first introduced to Edward; this is to give off
the impression that he is seen as a dangerous character, one of whom cannot
be trusted. However later in the film the use of high key lighting is used to the
change in how others view him. This is also represented in the use of other
characters voice and tones as the trust him more their voices begin to relax
and feel more comfortable around him.
At the beginning of the film we are presented with areal shot of a suburban
colder sac which sets the scene and creates a safe relaxing atmosphere.
Theres also sound in this scene of a woman storytelling, with calming yet eerie
sound track. This gives an unexpected twist to the beginning of the film where
the atmosphere was dark and dreary.
During the middle of the film we are shown
a Christmas scene. This is obvious due to the
tree in the living area and the elegant
decorations. Christmas is also shown in this
scene by the characters clothes such as the
use of red and white are stereotypical
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colours that would be worn on charismas. However we often associate
Christmas with happiness and joy. This doesnt appear to be the case in this
scene as neither of the characters look overjoyed, instead they look
apprehensive and concerned. This is seen as a counter type as its not what
you would expect.
Through the the film we are presented with this suburban, stereotypical sense
of community estate which not creates a close sense of friendship.
Editing
In this film we are presented with the use of cross cutting, this is where a scenecuts between two separate scenes, which are happening in two separate
places at once. This happens while Edward is been driven through the
neighbourhood. Cross cutting takes place whilst the two adults are gossiping
on the telephone.
While Edward is on a television programme being
interviewed, he is asked a personal question whether or
not he has a love interest, this is where the term cuttakes place, as there is a close up of Kim, which gives off
the impression that she feels similarly about him. The
use of this technique allows the viewer to feel involved
in the film and allows them to assume what is
happening. Cut is the technique that cuts from
one shot to another; this tells the viewer a lot
about the character.
Match on action is used frequently throughout
this film, it helps to create the atmosphere
within the scene, it also adds to the interest of
the film.
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Sound
Edward Sciccorhands relies heavily on diegetic and non diegetic sound. Such as
at the beginning of the film as while peg is entering Edwards house unique,
curious dark music is being played which represents the character of Edward
and allows the audience to understand how he is feeling. The music gives off a
sense of isolation and deep sorrow. This allows the viewer to feel sympathetic
towards Edward. The sound can change the atmosphere dramatically.
Different music is used to show the begging of a new scene also in this film.
In this scene is where we are firstly introduced to Edward being excited and
child like. The music in this scene is fast rhythm which is high pitched; this
represents Edwards excitement and curiosity towards the neighbourhood. The
music in this scene also allows the viewers to
see a different side of Edward which allows
the viewers to relate and warm to the
character.
In this film there is a rare use of ambient
sound as it is a stereotypical suburban
housing estate. However when ambient
sound occurs it shows a sense of danger and
fright amongst the characters and the
audience. This happens when Kims boyfriend
is drink driving, added in sound effects of a
car skidding are used to create a dramatic
effect which creates a tense atmosphere.
There is a large use of sound effects, this is to accompany Edwards hands,
sound effects are used in every scene of this film to dramatise and make
Edwardsshands more realistic and believable. Due to the fact that the sound
effects sound realistic as it adds to the tension of the scene.
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Representation of characters
Edward is represented as a propagandised. However due to his appearance he
is seen as a countertype as he is presented as a scary, intimidating character
when actually his is shy and vulnerable child like character. He is alsorepresented as a caring loving character with the ability to injure others
around him.
Kim is seen as a Propagandised character of whom is a caring however
our first impression of her is that she is judgemental.
Jim is seen as a stereotypical male teenager which is shown through his
bad driving, aggression and binge drinking. He is also represented as a
villain character.
The gossiping women are represented as harmless stereotypical females
that dont have any bad intentions however they cause drama
Conclusion
In my work I will try to include different lighting to change the atmosphere totoo set a new scene I feel that this will make my short film creative and more
interesting.
I will also conceder using sound effects and transitions when appropriate.
I will use certain camera shots such as match on action to enhance
conversations.
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