Wednesday 6 October 2010

The Birds Continuity

Scary Scene 'The Birds' Analysis

1. How many shots were within this scene?


 There were 19 shots within this scene.


What were types of shots taken? 
1.  Long shot (panning)
2.  Mid Shot 
3.  Mid Shot (opening door)
4.  Mid Shot (following her in the room)
5.  Close up (Zooming into her face)
6.  Wide Shot
7. 8. Mid Shot 
9.  Close up
10.Medium Close up
11.Mid Shot 
12.High Angle Shot (mans feet)
13.Mid Shot
14. 15. Mid Shot
16.Close up
17.Low Angled Long Shot (women running)
18.Long Shot (women running towards camera)
19.Low Angle Close up (of women frightened)

What principles of continuity are used here? How successfully? Refer to specific shots / screen grabs?

The continuity of the scene is well edited as it flows correctly, this shows good use of all clips from the scene not hesitating in certain parts and editing in key areas to make this clip rise with tension and suspense. Shots such as shot 5 builds up the tension as it zooms into the women's face, this clearly shows her face expression which show the suspense within this scene. The Basic principles of continuity are shown which portray the image of basic skills which makes this scene so successful.

What is the effect of the editing on the viewer? What are we meant to feel at different stages? 

 The Editing of the scene keeps the viewer at interest, as this scene is well edited this allows the audience to stay with the scene and not to lose focus for what is taking place. As it begins there is a panning shot of the women walking towards the house which makes the audience think about what may be happening in that house. As she walks in the audience are already eye caught by the range of shots taken such as the close up and the mid shot, the suspense begins to build up as the women gains closer and closer to the attack. The shots used are shown in a way to make the audience feel unsettled and tense. As the women finds the man her reaction is quickly shown which may indicate her mixed emotions during this scene allowing the audience to feel scared and uncomfortable for what they have just witnessed.

What is the 'best bit' for you in this sequence in terms of learning new techniques and why? 


The best bit in this sequence was when she noticed that there were broken china cups hanging, this made me laugh, as anyone would have noticed the open door and the drop dead sound which pondered the room, but that women had to notice the cups which just broke her heart, this was a classic moment, when delicate china is broken, you know there is something wrong!