Babe - 1995.
"Babe (also known as Babe the Sheep-Pig in the working title) is a 1995 comedy-drama film directed by Chris Noonan, produced by George Miller and written by both.
Look at the way the different camera positions create tension and suspense in the narrative
Q1. What is the duration (timing) of the sequence?
Within the 3 minute scene, there are 37 edits/ cuts.
Q2. How does the pace affect the audience’s engagement?
Specifically in the closing of the gate bit, the amount of edits/ cuts creates tension and extends the scene, which helps this creation and build-up of tension.
Q3. Why do you think the filmmakers chose to present this scene in this way?
it is an important part of the film, as it wraps it all together at the end of the film and makes it feel more realistic and more tense, as if you are in the crowd/ scene.
Leon - 1994.
"Léon: The Professional (French: Léon), titled Leon in the UK (and originally titled The Professional in the US), is a 1994 English-language French action-thriller film written and directed by Luc Besson. It stars Jean Reno and Gary Oldman, and features the film debut of Natalie Portman. "
Q1. What type of editing techniques has the director, Luc Besson, used?
He has used a bit of all; fast paced cuts, inserted shots, jump cuts. The first scene of the film is an Ariel shot of new York over central park. Later it is followed by an "outside- in" shot, bringing the viewer into the scene. This created a rather fast paced, and tense moment, especially when the men are getting shot at in the hotel suite. The noises and sound effects also add to this and creates that increased tension. The director uses quite a few close up shots (extreme close up and big close ups) along with over the shoulder shots to make it feel like you are in the scene. The editing technique, along with shots such as hand held shots when he is running in the apartment/ hotel room, helps create the sense of panic he is feeling, creating anxiety and tension for the viewer, along with the sound effects of heartbeat and gun clicks. When one of the men has a knife to his neck, first thing we see is the had with the knife approaching out of the darkness. This helps create uncertainty, because we dont know who this is.
Q2. Why do you think he chose this type of editing style?
I think the director has used these shots and editing style to help create a fast paced scene and create a sense of tension, as this seems to be a film with a lot of action. He uses lots of close up shots, so we can see the characters facial expressions and emotions, allowing us to feel what they are feeling. He also uses lots of over the shoulder shots and this allows the viewer to feel as if they are in the scene, or passively observing what is going on. He also uses sound effectively in order to elevate the levels of suspense and anxiety.
Q3. Why has he chosen to use close up shots during the ‘café’ sequence?
The use of close up shots in the café is affective as we never see the full face of the men, so there is still a shroud of mystery around them, allowing us to make our own assumptions about them. The dark lighting also adds to this sense of uncertainty and mystery. One of the characters, wears reflective circular glasses, and we never see the person he is talking to, but we do however see his reflection in the lenses of his glasses, are unable to make out his face.
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