Identity - Laura

(could not use screen grabs as there was no Youtube clip for the opening)

 

Camerawork

• Close up of the tape recorder, the composition allows audience to see name therefore it is already raising questions as to who this is. Further to this, focus pulling is used to signify that it is significant, therefore this person is significant. We also see this tape recorder in order with the diegetic voice over, and so we therefore relate the voice over to this person.
• Extreme close ups on the documents. A fast pan is used to highlight the significant parts of the document, to give the effect that each bit of information is being pieced together. The Foley of the type writer gives it apace, to further intensify the effect that he is piecing it together, and to represent the theme of the interview.
• Big close up of the man conveys his expression to show that he is working hard on this case (which we have worked out from the documentation and voice-over interview). We also see the rain from outside reflected on his face with the use of the 3 point lighting in order to connote a sinister and eerier atmosphere. 
• Sudden close ups to extreme close ups, the cuts and the non-diegetic sound of photos being taken when he looks at the pictures, loses the effect of realism to therefore make it seem as if he is putting himself in the world of the case, in order to work it out.
•  Low angle big close up on the man gives him authority as we see he is a detective, therefore in an authoritative job. Moreover, the big close uses voyeurism by reflecting the papers in his glasses, to constantly reinforce the significance of these papers, therefore raising questions in the audience’s mind: why are they so important? Will they help with the plot? Finally, the big close up puts his whole head in the frame with the use of composition, therefore this makes him seem like a safe and secure character, therefore the audience build a connection with him.

Mis en Scene

• Props are significant within the first few minutes, as we see fingerprints and mug shots signify that there will be crime involved within the plot, which then contrasts with them creased, childish drawings, therefore this juxtaposition raises questions within the audience. 
• Lighting is used from the storm to reflect on the papers thus illuminating them, whereas the man is surrounded my low key lighting to put him in darkness, therefore again conveying the significance of these papers.

Editing

• The slow paced cuts reflect the movement of the man, as he is sitting down. However, the cuts get faster when they are going from close ups to extreme close ups, to reflect the way his mind is starting to work the case out. 

Sound

• Foley of a fast forward and rewind effect on the tape recorder. This creates synergy with the close ups and extreme close ups of the documents, so that we therefore link the interview with the documents (newspapers and pictures) in order to raise questions towards the case that he is working on.
• Sound of the storm, and the light from the thunder being seen on the paper further reinforces the eerie atmosphere.