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.