Jaws: Blog Post 3

In this scene in Jaws, the three men, Quint, Brody, and Hooper, have set out to sea to capture the shark responsible for the deaths of people in their town. This scene occurs when the men spotted the shark and are horrified at its sheer size.

The trio are positioned in a triadic composition to stress the dynamic interplay between them. This scene is balanced as there is a character in each of the composition grounds-Quint in the foreground, Brody in the midground, and Hooper in the background. All three of them are looking in the same direction with similar expressions which suggests that despite their conflict before, they are now on the same side-against the shark.

The use of colour and props are other aspects of film that play an important part in creating mood and symbolism. The trio are wearing similar cool colours but Quint stands out a little more with his green jacket as opposed to Hooper and Brody in their grey outerwear. This suggests Quint's importance, dominance, and leadership. Quint is also the only one out of the three men to wear a cap, showing that he is more experienced in the capturing of the sharks than the other two.

A low-angled shot is used to encompass all three characters . Although Hooper is in the top of the frame, he is the furthest and therefore the smallest, suggesting insignificance despite his position in the frame. Quint, on the other hand, is cut out of the frame at his shoulders, and further in front of Hooper and Brody, which suggests that while Hooper is in control steering the boat, it is a false sense of power provided by Quint, the true dominant in the scene.

Jaws: Blog Post 2

Mise en scène is originally a French theatrical term meaning "placing on stage." It refers to the arrangement of all the visual elements of a theatrical production within the stage. In this particular scene of Jaws, the set design and props are important features in the symbolism of the picture.

Having the shark jaws centrally placed amount to it being the main focus of the shot. Subsequently, the camera zooms into the jaws as if it were foreshadowing that more characters may be victims of the shark-perhaps one of the three men (Hooper, Quint, Brody). As the camera zooms in, the focal point of the scene changes from being the jaws to being the harbour outside, The long stretch of waters leading out to the ocean suggests an arduous journey ahead for the three men.

In addition, as the shark's jaws become the frame of the scene, it comprises of a circular composition, suggesting entrapment (withing the shark's jaws or maybe conflict between the characters). The window is also closed and locked, with barred grilles, further emphasizing the theme of entrapment.

Jaws: Blog Post 1

Jaws (1975), directed by Steven Spielberg, is the first "Summer Blockbuster" to be made in motion picture history. Different shots and angles were used in this film to convey different feelings and moods.

The shot above is an example of an establishing shot. It shows the surroundings and emphasises vacancy and nothingness, yet the audience is able to feel the girl's freedom and carefreeness as well as the serenity in the air as she runs towards the waters.

A blue filter is utilised to, on one hand, emphasise the tranquility of the scene and setting, and on the other hand, the coldness of that tone of colour. The waters look warm and inviting due to the girl's merry demeanor, but they also convey a sense that they are cold and deadly. In addition, the blue filter allows for her silhouette and movements to be seen clearly.

This scene is shot from a low angle, as if the camera was placed on the sand and left there, forgotten. This adds to the carefreeness of the scene as it seems more natural. Usually in low-angled shots, the character is moving towards the camera to create a tense and fearful atmosphere, but this is not the case in this scene; the girl is moving away from the camera. Instead of the girl feeling frightened, this scene causes the audience to feel anxious for her. As the girl runs from the safety of the shores and land into the dark depths of the ocean, we, as the audience, feel as if we are losing her by the second. Her safety on land is guaranteed, but in the waters she is vulnerable and the audience is aware.

Buster Keaton - The General

Buster Keaton's The General is a fast-paced slapstick comedy about Buster Keaton and how he runs his beloved locomotive and keeps it going. This film distorted the feeling of time as it is sped up to match the mood of the upbeat music and to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. Tension as well as excitement is portrayed in this film with the use of the camera's shots and angles. 

For example, in this scene, a medium shot is used to not only show Buster's confused expression, but also the trees in the back to show movement of the train. The eye-level angle is used in this scene to create a sense of expectancy. This angle is the most neutral as it shows the audience what they would see if they were in the film and it is as if they are watching the scene unfold right in front of them.

In this scene where Buster is running after his locomotive to catch up to it, an extreme long shot is used to establish the setting of the film.It also provides the audience context as to where the train is heading towards and its speed.

In addition, a high-angled medium shot is used below to convey the importance of the scene. The positioning of the camera above the character gives the audience an idea of Buster's vulnerability in the situation.

An oblique-angled full shot is used to portray the imbalance and instability of the scene. It's also used as a transition into the next scene. The horses here look as if they were coming straight at the audience, which suggests their significance.

Shots and angles play an important role in the making of a film. They can be used to portray foreshadowing, comedy, intensity of the situation etc. They also make a film more interesting than it would be if the film was shot in one take with a single and distance.

Shots and Emotions

A: A shot showing where the action is taking place

The establishing shot is the most appropriate for the setting of the scene as it gives the audience a reference setting for the closer shots.