Shaw Shank Redemption

Shaw Shank Redemption Opening Analysed

Editing

• Clear white on black text, in old fashioned text gives the feeling that it may be in the 1950s- this sets the scene.
• The font also looks like prision bars which gives an insight into the film
• Slow pace shots, makes you pay more attention on the details
• Pauses- build tension 

Lighting

• Up light on driver's face in car gives off shadows which make him look evil and they only use one light in this shot.
• Low key  builds suspence in flash back
• Low key in court room makes it feel bleak and looks colourless
• Uses yellow filter which makes it seem old fashioned.

Sound

•  Sound bridge- begins speaking in the flash backs then you see it in the scene where they are actually talking. This makes it more perfessional
• Music's aim is to build tension
• Digetic sound in car (music on the radio)
• Non diegtic at beginning then becomes part of the scene through car radio
• It reflects the scene- as it adds to the atmosphere.
• Mainly use orchestral strings and rumbling drums which all creates tension

Camera Angles

• Low camera angle when he gets out of the car as it focuses on the feet, makes a different perspective
• Medium close ups in court room to focus on emotion
• Medium shot in court room on prosecution in consequence makes him have authority and it also allows viewer to see the audience
• Uses tracking in court room. Goes from prosecution to the accused, shows intmidation.
• High angle in court room. Makes the accused look small and see from judge's angle

Mise en Scene

• Red dress- this makes the wife seem more 'sexy' and passionate but also has a side of danger.
• All props reflect the time period (1950s) which makes the film more believeable.

From analysing this opening scene it has made me think about the use of props and how important they are on setting the scene and what an impact they have on the film and how it looks. So I will be sure to pay special attention to them. I liked the different camera angles in the opening section because they were perfessional and after talking in depth it made me realise it does change your perseption on certain characters. I would like to use some tracking in our film to ensure the audience is looking at what I want them to look at for example certain pictures or letters. I also liked the sound bridges as it introduced the new scene smoothly without disjolting it so I would also like to include them. The opening scenes also made me think about the font and how it reflects the whole film and what impression it gives off, so I will keep this in mind when choosing it.