A Perfect World
Analysis of 2 minutes -
The establishing shot only shows an object lying on grass; from this we can gather that the setting of this particular scene is a field. The camera then moves along to reveal a man sleeping on the grass; this suggests that this man will be a main part in the film because we already have a mid-shot of him. The object, a ghost mask, is still in view at this point which creates a suspicion as the audience does not know what the significance of it is, but is aware that it has something to do with the story because of the use of the rule of thirds in the first shot, drawing our attention to something that is not central. The non-diegetic sound is light-hearted and upbeat, which highlights the setting, even more because the man looks at peace just lying there. There is also the diegetic sound of birds chirping and a helicopter above him, however the helicopter does not faze him as he smirks and shuts his eyes again.
A sudden cut to big city lights and the sound of cars diverts our attention from blissful scenes to more hectic, real situations. The music has been stopped and from the costumes we see the children wearing, we can gather that it is Halloween. Moving on from the streets of this city, a group shot follows of a family in their kitchen; noting that the children at the table are not outside nor dressed up which gives us the impression that they will not be joining the others outside. At the table there is general conversation between the children whilst the, supposed, mother is cooking dinner – this creates the impression that it is not a modern film because of the tradition of women doing the cooking, whereas in more up to date films we see takeaways or personal chefs. The actual kitchen itself provokes these thoughts as well as we are aware it is not fancy or plush; there are no extra, unnecessary appliances and the colours are dull.
The contrasts between the two scenes shown highlight a link to the title of the film, as the man looks as though he is living luxury (peaceful, money flowing around him, no hassle) whilst the woman and children create the impression they do not have the privilege of luxury. This is shown through the lighting mainly as it is bright and cheerful on the field but in the kitchen it is dim and dull. It is as though the man is in a whole other world to them.
In the first 2 minutes a fair amount of knowledge has been leaked. Although it is in a subtle manner, as there are no direct links to either because they are essentially opposite situations. The audience is aware that the man and the family, if not all at least one, will be a significant part to the story line. There is a slight hint that the man and the little boy will possibly be linked more than any of them because they receive close ups each which attracts the audience to their presence.
The only titles and credits shown are the Warner Bro’s logo and the title sequence itself; there are no credits. The title sequence is very simple but effective due to the bright lighting; it contradicts itself slightly however because the actual sky looks more dim and bright, it is the effect of the sun being so centre of attention which brings a positive vibe to it. The use of the particular bird chosen to fly around suggests not all is as perfect as it appears because it is not a pretty bird. The title appears before the city is shown which suggests that the audience should be aware of a possible change of heart throughout the rest of the film.
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1. Through the use of the rule of thirds it creates more focus on the object in the grass because it is not so obviously placed in the middle, which makes us wonder why. This particular screenshot was eye-catching because the object looks creepy due to the expression on the Ghosts face, which gives the audience a mixed view on how the storyline will continue.
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2. From this the audience could be positioned to feel that this man is possibly on the run as buildings, or anybody else in sight do not surround him, he is alone peacefully in an empty field.
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3. The contrast in this screenshot implies that although the sun is shining, not everything is perfect, hence the dull coloured sky and the less than elegant bird. The placement of the title sequence makes the audience rethink their views on the film, as it comes after the shots of the man in the field. This suggests to the audience that it will not be a blissful storyline despite the peaceful situation the first character portrays.
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4. From this group shot the audience gets the impression that this is a family and they are sitting down for dinner; however, the empty chair could create the impression that the woman is possibly a single mother. The kitchen and woman’s clothing suggests that this is not a modern film; there are no fancy appliances and the kitchen itself does not look particularly big. The woman’s clothing also presents an older image rather than newer because of the apron.
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