Alice Creed Textual Analysis

Alice Creed Textual Analysis
Key:
Camerawork
Mise En Scene
Editing
Soundtrack
Narrative Theory

The opening starts off with a dolly shot and quick cuts to vehicles to inform the audience that the location is in a car park (Establishing shot). In addition, 8 seconds into the opening; it cuts to the scene of the two male protagonists Danny and Vic. During this scene we quickly realise that Vic clearly has higher authority because of the way the two protagonists are positioned in the scene. Danny is positioned behind Vic doing work and has a frustrated look but, however in contrast to that Vic looks calm and collected and is positioned in the front of the frame. Therefore this informs the audience that there is a hierarchy implying that Vic takes on the leader role between the two and that Danny is the sidekick (Vic is on a pedestal compared to Danny).  Another way the audience acknowledges power is through the use of a blur. This done through a close up camera angle focusing on Vic’s body and the background behind him is out of focus. This gives a feeling of fear and tension to the audience due to the fact that Vic has a intimidating look on his face.

After the first scene. The opening transitions to Danny doing more work. However, this scene emphasises that Danny does the dirty work in the relationship between the two male protagonists. This information is given via the positioning and setting of where Danny is and also through the use of a high camera angle focusing that Danny is on the floor taking off a number plate.

Throughout the whole opening we also notice that there is no dialogue which gives rise into enigma. Therefore this suggests that the two male protagonists are mysterious and have no identity during the opening. The costumes used for the protagonists contrast the idea of intimidation by the reason of their costumes being normal clothing and nothing too striking. On the other hand this could also denote that it is a cover up for their real identities and plans.

The diegetic soundtrack which is post production editing is used during the whole opening. It does not include any crescendo or decrescendo which is unusual as the track is still building up tension and enigma. The whole track creates a very ominous feel to the movie. 

Match on Action is frequently used during the opening especially in the shopping scene. The Match on action in this scene highlights the tools and equipment they are purchasing. The equipment purchased e.g. the drill, suggests that they are going to use the tools for installing. Match on action also makes the whole scene fluid and easy on the audience’s eyes

Close up camera angles are also used very often to focus the attention to what the protagonists are doing due to the fact that these shots establish what the whole opening is about. The Match on action and close ups and big close ups of their actions forebode the plot of the opening. These two techniques. Match on action and close camera shots are used to generate mystery and to intensify the opening because during the early stages of the opening we are clueless with what the protagonists are up to.

3 minutes and 33 seconds into the opening. A panning shot to the right is used to reveal what they are about to do. During this scene we see a pistol, mask and handcuffs which suggest that they have set up to abduct a person and trap her in the apartment they have rearranged.

The narrative theory is used productively in this opening as the scenes match up with the editing, camera work and mise en scene elements. These techniques work hand in hand with the narrative theory as it matches with the story due to the fact that the opening is all about a set up for an abduction. Therefore each scene is a step forward to the crime. However this does not follow Todorov’s theory (which is typical for most movies) because it follows a linear sequence of actions where the whole 4 minute opening is strictly all about setting up. 

Conclusion

Overall I think that the main target audience for the film is between the ages of 16-28 because the opening suggests and leads to a dark and immoral action. Therefore this links to realism as abductions and immoral crimes do happen in real life. In addition this would not be suitable for children and is not a family film.

The techniques used in the movie such as the camera work do a productive job to create enigma during the opening, as we do not know what they are setting up for until 3 minutes in to the opening. The idea of enigma manipulates Todorov’s theory and emphasises the idea of mystery and crime.