Home Learning - Enemy of the state

What is the point of this sequence? Describe briefly how tension is created through the editing.

The point in this sequence is to summarise what is happening at the point with all of the technology taking over and invading the privacy of all the citizens. Tension is created by cross-cuts, to show the fast paced movement and what the characters may be going through. the close up on Will Smith's face at 1:35 represents the tension and worry building up on his face. It really focuses on his face, leaving the audience to be able to interpret the thoughts he's having. The low angle at 1:52 also creates tension because you only see footsteps and smoke, creating an illusion of not knowing what would happen next.

2. Look at the use of CU or Medium CU. Why are they primarily used here? Refer to specific shots.

As mentioned before, there is a great close up of the character of Will Smith at 1:35.

 The close up is used here to show the tension on Will Smiths face. There is also the sense of wondering what is going on around him because he is the only aspect to focus on. There is also the close up of a metal bars along the front which shows they are held up somewhere in safety, away from the people outside.

Choose 15-20 seconds from anywhere in the sequence and describe each shot in detail, explaining its effect / function for the audience, as well as commenting on how the cuts (the editing) adds to the meaning.

close up 2:16 There is a close-up of the padlock. From the shot after, it seems the two men will try to break open the padlock to get on the other side of the gate. The effect it has on the audience is the question of if the two men will try to break open the padlock, if so, how they will go about it.

extreme close up 2:20 - at this point there is an extreme close up of the gun. This, for the audience will make them wonder if he will break the padlock with the gun. Or whether he will use for protection for whatever he trying to do. If he is walking to somewhere that is not safe and the gun is for his protection. Or if he, himself is on other villainous side of the story.  

close up 2:24 - There is a close-up of the characters face, straight after a shot showing a computer analysing a profile.This shows a concern on the face on the character for the audience because there is a clear link between the computer analysis and the concern on the characters' face.

digetic sound 2:30 - This is not exactly realistic sound, but it shows sound within the story. The sound is of the computer checking through records. Although it is not what would be expected in the real world, it helps to identify what is really going on and what the computer itself is doing.

4. How far does the editing of this sequence fit in with the genre of the thriller? Justify your opinion.

The editing of this sequence fits in well with the genre of a thriller due to the multiple close ups and cross cuts for tension and showing what is going on throughout the story. The close ups show the true tense moments and what the characters would be thinking. Whilst the cross cuts keep up the pace of the film, showing how fast everything is moving and how quick the characters would need to act.