ISP Week 5
Mock question- 10 marks- explore how one example of cinematography is used in one sequence from your chosen film.
Prison escape sequence- Mission Impossible: Ghost protocol.
In terms of cinematography in the sequence a long shot is firstly used in the style of a CCTV camera using film stock which appears on Benji’s computer screen. This uses parallel action to show the different perspectives of the camera’s movement as it constantly switches from the security cameras and cameras used when filming the sequence. This suggests the high security within the prison showing the feeling of being trapped within Benji’s computer screen. Also focusing on the camera positioning, the camera never stops moving as it follows Ethan Hunt through the prison during the fight scene. The use of high and low levels which tracks the character’s movements and the more frequent use of extreme close ups on the characters’ faces shows the point of view which increases emotional intensity. As well as this, the camera uses a wide-angle lens to pan along the corridor parallel to Ethan Hunt, leaving the security guards in the frame of the shot. From this we see a point of view shot of the guards where the camera is positioned behind the bars. This demonstrates the freedom of Ethan Hunt and how the roles have reversed so that the guards are now the ones that are trapped within the prison. Lastly in terms of camera, the camera uses an extra- long shot using a wide lens while Ethan runs along the corridor to represent the total chaos which all comes to an end as the door closes and the camera is still trapped behind it, creating a sense of claustrophobia and that the audience has been captured. In terms of light, the direction of light comes from the low key functional ceiling lights of the prison. In contrast to this three main colour tones are used in the sequence including grey, red and green, which is also found similarly on the costumes, dark walls and cell doors of the prison. This suggests that everything in the prison is very orderly and simple however uneventful and tedious for the everyday lives of the inmates. The red colour of the buttons and lights around the prison suggest a sense of upcoming danger, in contrast the green colour buttons which are seen within the room containing the security guards who represent the order and control of the system. At the end of the sequence yellow and gold colour tones are used when we see fire lighting up the prison corridors. Normally this is associated with warmth and safety however in this sequence it is used to suggest danger and increasing tension, although could be seen a symbol that safety is near, as they soon after escape from the prison. This creates a contrast between the cold grey colours and warm golden tones, reflecting how they are leaving behind chaos and running towards freedom and a brighter world outside of the prison.
Emma Coe Film Studies 