Preliminary 9 Shot Analysis

By Luc Amaden

180 Degree Rule

In this 180 degree rule sequence that we incorporated into our preliminary here the main character is shown to be having a conversation with his doppelganger. To apply another type of shot would only confuse the viewer, as the camera only stays on one side to provide the expected position of shots to the audience. This allows for a simple but effective portrayal of dialogue and interaction between the two characters. In all thrillers this type of shot is common.

Match on action

Here we used match-on-action to portray the release of the papers and the resulting collision of them with the floor. As shown the papers are shown in one shot to be suspended in the doppelganger’s hand, and then the next is them landing on the floor. We used this shot to build suspense before the doppelganger’s identity is revealed; the papers are seen as a motive to the doppelgangers, the emphasis upon their placement builds importance upon them, suggesting that they are meaningful. This creates a sense of mystery in this scene, and that is exactly the right atmosphere that we want for this moment of vital revelation of the plot. In thrillers this usually builds up suspense to another shot as the camera focuses on an object and in many cases the audience do not know what the next shot will reveal, such as in this one.

Shot/Reverse/Shot

Here a shot looking up to my figure is shown, whilst following after is another behind me revealing my action. This shot was put in to allow the audience to understand the situation; my intention is to take the broom to clean with it. Consequently the following shots are naturally understood by the audience and this technique purely just secures this. Generically thrillers tend to incorporate this shot for the same intention to clarify and to create a sense of continuity that makes the film run more realistically.

Other Key Shots

• The following slides are shots from my preliminary that are not included in the 9 shot.

Cross-cutting

In our film we used cross-cutting to create a sense of continuity; the protagonist is moving closer to the doppelganger. The flicking papers shows that there is some sort of disturbance in the building, and the shot sequence emphasises the obliviousness of the janitor which then creates an effective build up throughout the rest of the film following this. In thrillers these shots are generally used to uphold a notion of continuity when two characters are gradually coming closer until they clash.

Over-shoulder shot

Here is a very long over-shoulder shot that we filmed. This was done to make the viewer feel that they are exploring and experiencing the dissension into the basement; it creates a large sense of mystery and suspense. The long length of the shot makes the plot seem more real and more convincing, as the lack of editing at this part reflects the wariness and caution that the character portrays.