edward scissorhands deconstruction.docx

8/14/2019 Edward scissorhands deconstruction.docx

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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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edward scissorhands deconstruction.docx

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