The sequence I am analysing begins when the two protagonists (Seline and Michael) spot the evil vampire Marcus rapidly approaching the truck. As he lands on the back of the truck a fight breaks out between him and Michael. Marcus is temporarily defeated. That is when Seline and Michael escape to a near by barn as the sun appears. I will be commenting on the audience’s emotion of tension and excitement in this sequence and analysing how they are created by the micro elements sound, cinematography and mise-en-scene.
When the evil vampire, Marcus, is spotted drastic non-diegetic sound is played to provide a heightened feeling of tension which places the audience on the edge of their seat at the fight takes place. Also, when first contact is made between Marcus and Michael a tracking shot is used to show the speed and power of Marcus as Michael is speared into the lorry. The camera movement integrates the viewer and emphasises the force of the impact telling them that this will be a brutal confrontation.
They are often centre frame to emphasise the importance of their fight to the audience. A point of view shot from both fighters is then taken showing they are on the same level at this point in the battle. A close up is used to the film sound, mise-en scene and cinematography have a large effect on the mood of the film.
In the beginning of the scene non-diegetic sounds are used to create a heightened sense of urgency and fear, this is also relayed in the fast paced tracking shot to show the speed and power of the fight that is taking place. Throughout the punches, the violence and speed of the music heightens and lowers, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats which is perfect for the genre of the film. The lighting and camera choices throughout the scene are important as it is vital that the audience are entertained and do not find the action too predictable.
Low lighting helps to make the scene seem more sinister, whilst allowing the audience to view all of the action, the reversible effect of bright light being shone on Seline and Michael as a symbol of fear rather than of hope also engrosses the audience to watch and feel a sense that the two ‘ so’ called heroes may be doomed from the beginning. As you can see throughout this scene the mise-en-scene creates the required mood for the genre of film using different cinematography techniques including lighting and sound.
References:
- Underworld: Evolution – Wikipedia
- Underworld: Evolution (2006) – Full Cast & Crew – IMDb
- Underworld: Evolution Reviews – Metacritic
