Analysis of four still images

• Signs
• Troy
• Speed
• Pearl Harbor

From Signs the camera is at a high angle looking down at the characters. This may signify they lack power and are inferior. This gives a hint at the kind of characters they maybe in the film. Also what kind of situations they may get involved in due to this. In addition all of the characters are looking away from at the same direction which may show they're unaware of their vulnerability.

The second still is a close up shot of the women. This is done to show the facial expression of the character. The camera angle has the other character (Achilles) back to the camera to show he may not have any feelings at the time. By providing a close up, we the audience are able to identify if something good or bad has happened.

The camera angle of this still shows that the character isn't the most significant image. This shot enables the audience to focus on the explosion. This is what is first noticed. Thereafter the attention is then turned to the character. The camera angle also shows this accident happened on a normal street. As you are able to see the roofs of houses. Therefore the audience know in the film explosions and dangerous stunts can occur anywhere and anytime.

The final still from Pearl Harbor shows three characters. We are able to identify the main character from the three as he is the central figure in the image. This is a long shot so we are able to see his surroundings and what the costumes and props are consisted in this scene. These enable us to make assumptions on what is going on in this particular time. Such as he has a suitcase so he may have traveled and therefore is at the airport. Also he has army wear on, this is probably near the beginning as it is providing the audience with an introduction on what the film is about as long shots help do this.

Cinematography

Extracts from different eras.

Going My Way (1944)

It was directed by Leo McCarey and the cinematographer was Lionel Lindon. The extract is all in one setting. The first shot is from an outsider's perspective as it is a long shot and is a distant away from the characters. Also no one is looking at the camera so the audience are aware that they are seen as observers.

There is a long part in the extract where there is a point of view shot. This point of view shot is with the children who are looking directly at the man. It is seen as a point of view shot by a reverse shot which shows the children then the camera turns to the older character. This permits the audience with an identification with the boys as they are put into their perspective. It also creates a sense of respect shown to the man as all their eyes are focused on him. This connotes he has high authority and wisdom.

American Graffiti (1973)

The film was directed by George Lucas and the cinematography was done by Ron Eveslage. The camera movement is began by panning towards both cars. There is a long shot of both cars where they are both from the same distance from the camera. This allows the audience to compare the styles of the two cars as it relates to the personalities of the characters. As one is stylish and newer then the other is may connote that this character may get the better of the other.

For most of the extract the camera is in front of the two cars and is almost like the cars are following the camera. This makes it seem as if they are coming towards the audience. Therefore it allows them to feel involved in the particular scene and also take more of an interest.