Matthew Mountford-Brock

Name: Matthew Mountford-Brock
Candidate Number: 6157

Tuesday 14 September 2010

Enemy Of The State (1998) Scene Sequence

1. What is the point of this sequence? Describe briefly how tension is created through the editing.

The point of this sequence is that all the scenes were linked by the topic of conversation. The first scenes showed peoples opinions on whether the Government can hear phone calls and then the later scenes showed the truth and explained it. Tension is created through this method and also because the music became more epic as the sequence went on.

2. Look at the use of CU or Medium CU. Why are they primarily used here? Refer to specific shots (screengrab them if you can [with Fn Print Screen then Control - V on a PC] and embed them within your post).

Close ups are used primarily in this sequence because the scenes are mostly conversation and in tight spaces meaning there is no need for long range shots.

3. Choose 15-20 seconds from anywhere in the sequence and describe each shot in detail, explaining its effect / function for the audience, as well as commenting on how the cuts (the editing) adds to the meaning.

I chose the first 20 seconds. The first shot shows both men and some background, to establish the scene. The second shot is of the older man as he is the one talking, but the next shot is of the younger man even though he isn't talking as the shot shows us his expression and therefore his thoughts in response to what the other man is saying. The final shot goes back to the other man as he begins a new sentence. Cameras usually focus on the talking character as it is easier to pay attention to what they are saying if the camera is on them.

4. How far does the editing of this sequence fit in with the genre of the thriller? Justify your opinion.

The editing of the sequence fits in with the thriller genre as the music builds in speed and noise making it more epic and as the sequence goes on the scenes switch faster making for an exciting climax which is always neccessary in a thriller.

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