Pulp Fiction Analysis

Analysis Of Pulp Fiction
Scene-32:50

This scene from Pulp Fiction initially starts off with a zoom as the car pulls up. The 2 characters in the car are primarily focused on which connotes to the audience that they are the main characters in this scene. The diagetic sound or dialogue accompanies this shot as it informs the audience of the characters’ whereabouts and why they are there. The lighting in the first minute and a half is mainly low key with red and gold lighting shining through from the background which emphasises on the time of day, which is in the evening, and the red and gold adds to the brightness of this particular shot and emphasises on the L.A lifestyle they are living, especially as they pull up outside a typical L.A style restaurant. The camera at this point cuts and pans across from the back of the car to the side displaying the characters getting out of car and walking towards the restaurant, resulting in a long shot signifying to the audience that the characters are entering a new environment displaying a different mise-en-scene. As this movement is occurring, non-diagetic sound is introduced as the music from the restaurant livens up, and brings a slightly new feel to the audience.

The lighting steadily changes from low key lighting to high key lighting as the 2 characters enter the restaurant and ask for their table. However, the first shot of the characters in the restaurant is a medium shot taken from a side angle. This emphasises on the closeness of the 2 characters, and their companionship especially as they are male and female. Whilst the camera continues to focus on the characters as they talk, their costumes and dress code signifies class, possibly middle class, as the man is wearing a black suit and the woman is also dressed fairly elegantly. This also outlines their lifestyles, in particular where they live, and the reputation they maintain. The camera also particularly focuses on the man as he consistently follows the woman; thus connoting the dominance of the woman as the man passively follows.

Another shot within this scene lasts 1 minute excluding any edits as the filming is taken in one shot. This particular shot emphasises on the observation of the restaurant by the male character, especially as it is new to him. However, even though the camera is following him and is not a point of view shot, it still encourages the audience to identify with him as it allows the audience to observe the restaurant with him. This shot therefore decreases the enigma created throughout the first part of this scene as this shot creates a sense of security from the mise-en-scene. Moreover, the lighting in this shot again remains high key as the brightness of the surroundings reveals the L.A vibe to the audience. At the same time, the lighting effectively accompanies the jazzy non-diagetic sound, again focusing and portraying the L.A lifestyle. Nonetheless, the atmosphere which the audience receives throughout this scene juxtaposes to the genre of the film as the audience do not witness anything violent or anything which could possibly illustrate the climax of the film or the major event of the film, which backs up the genre. Also, by the end of this mini tour of the restaurant and mise-en-scene, the music eventually dies down and stops, which creates an enigma as to what will happen next.

The following shots display continuous sharp cuts from the male character to the female character as they are seated opposite each other at table. These continuous cuts emphasise on the closeness of the characters which illustrates the irony as they hardly know each other. Furthermore, the dialogue between the 2 characters becomes increasingly short, sharp and snappier. This raises the tension in the scene as the pace of their speech quickens, however this juxtaposes to the slow subtle music in the background decreasing the tension and influencing the mood which is being created. More on, the close up shots as the camera cuts emphasises on the facial expressions of the characters, which are fairly calm and flowing as the characters facial expressions are similar. The effect this has on the audience again decreases the tension, which is also accompanied by the mise-en-scene and non diagetic sound, which is evidently parallel to the narrative of this particular scene. The shots when looking at the opposing character is taken as a point of view shot which encourages the audience to identify with the characters as if they are being spoken to.

Overall, throughout the 6 minutes of this scene, there is a mixture of shots emphasising on certain aspects such as facial expressions to the mise-en-scene. Furthermore, the sound and lighting is parallel to the narrative of the 6 minutes of this scene, decreasing the tension, however at the same time creating an enigma for the audience as they await the sudden climax associating with the genre of the film.

MEET THE PARENTS (2000)...

The opening scene has various shots such as close up's, medium shots and long shots. These shots are used very effectively as they enhance different expressions and create different moods in the atmosphere. The first introduction to Gregg zooms in as he walks towards the assistant, which connotes that this scene will be much to do about him. The introduction towards the lady includes a close up of her to emphasise her expressions which displays subtle sacrcasm and then the cut over to Gregg is also a close up displaying his reaction, which humours the target audience. The medium shots throughout the scene presents their body language, connoting their emotions and feelings, especially in the way that they are standing, as it gives off a sense of atmosphere they are creating. Also the long shot at 0:33 of the scene portrays the mise-en-scene, and illustrates how empty the airport is, and the fact that the main protagonist in the film overall is by himself which encourages the audience to sympathise with him, especially as the assistant's sarcasm and actions towards Gregg provokes the audience to feel sorry for the character. His actions also portray that he is tired pysically and mentally of the situations occuring, however this juxtaposes to the high key lighting which could illustrate that perhaps there is hope and that the narrative could turn around surprisingly for the audience. Also the constant cuts from the assistant to Gregg and vice versa emphasies their expressions and how their feelings at that specific time juxtapose against each other, perhaps presenting a clash with the two characters and this can be quite humorous for the audience. Moreon, the long shots emphasie how empty the room is, and the fact that the assistant will not let Gregg on borad displays what kind of character she plays, and this just empahasises the kind of situation he is in, which not only causes the character to self pity, but encourages the audience to feel sorry for him. The high angle shot at 1:00 demonstrates how the assistant looks slightly bigger than Gregg which connotes superiority, making him look small in his circumstances.

2 Film Extracts! =D

PSYCHO (1960)...

The introduction to this scene includes a close up of the woman connoting her fear or anxiousness in this situation. The point of view shots also have an effective use as it encouages the audience to become a part this scenario. The constant cuts from the woman to the point of view shots towards the road and into the mirror focusing on the car behind, creates a tense atmosphere as it shows the situation as if it was in the audience's perspective which therefore has a dramatic effect. Along with the shots the non-diagetc sound of fast pace instruments create an enigma as its making the shots within the scene appear faster, as the music is quite fast pace. The sound is fairly loud aswell which allows the audience to become aware of the circumstances and that something negative is about to happen or perhaps will happen for certain. The constant close-up along side the low key lighting display how the woman plays a character who is possibly scared and very eager to escape. The fact that the inside of the car is kept under low key lighting, however the lighting on the woman's face and also outside on the roads are quite high key make it very clear to the audience that they should be focusing on the woman, and the constant cuts from the woman to the car make the audience focus on the car aswell, causing them to be tense as they wonder what is making her feel in that particular way. This creates an engima, as it leaves the audience in constant suspense as at this point the situation is very mysterious along with the sound. The high angles of the car also make the car seem high in importance which connotes that perhaps the woman has a very effective and important role in this film , especially when the references to the car behind are quite low angle makinig it appear small, which makes the woman seem much more superior, maybe enhancing a negative role in which she plays the 'femme fatale'. Again these clues create an enigma and leaves the audience in suspense.

Film Stills..

'Fargo', 'Inside Man', 'Cast Away' & 'Pursuit of HappYness'

The first film still is very similar to the second as they both illustrate the use of close up camera framings. For example, the first shot is a close up where the facial expressions are very clear. This is very effective as the mise-en-scene is disguised, and quite blurred, creating an enigma. So the fact that the main charcater is in a close up shot gives the audience an idea as to what situation she may be in, aside the facial expressions giving a big clue. Also the lighting focused on her face also has an effect as it is high key compared to the background. This enhances the facial expressions and makes them more distinct. More over, by the womans expressions, the audience can see that she is very focused and aiming at something especially as her eye is shut. This creates suspense and mystery as it keeps the audience guessing as to what exactly it is she is aiming at. This shot also emphasises that the woman could be a central character as the camera is primarily focused on her, and the fact that she is a woman also displays how she could be fitting into the heroine role.

Similarly, the male in the 2nd still is also showed in a close up, again emphasising his facial expressions. The mise-en-scene again is very low key and the main lighting is focused on the characters face which shows that his role is much more important than the dark surroundings, creating an enigma. The character's eyes also connote that he is focusing on something, as he looks as if he is strongly thinking about something, which again keeps the audience guessing and this attracts the audience to watch the rest of the film.

The last two film stills however, paint a slighlty different picture for the audience as the camera framing used is medium shots. For example the 'Cast Away' shot displays only half of the character's body emphasising on his body expressions. His posture within the mise-en-scene connotes that he a survivor, playing a hero type role. Also, the fact that the mise-en-scene is included in the shot signifies that the surrounding plays an important part in the film, and as there are no other objects interfering with the mise-en-scene, connotes that he may be isolated in that particualr area. Similarly, the last film still is also a medium shot, even though it may seem like a long shot as the full body is included as well as the mise-en-scene, the camera is still quite focused on the character and surroundings, and the expressions are still fairly clear to the audience. His expressions within the shot portray to the audience that he may be in need of help, but doesn't look hopeful. Also, the fcat that he is quite young illustrates his vulnerable side and that he is quite helpless. However, the lighting which is quite high key shows how the situation could possibly turn around, and there could be a bright ending for the film.