Textual analysis - Legion:

Completed by: Me

CAMERA

·         Using an establishing shot to show the scenery of the desert, giving the viewer some information about where the scene is set.

·         There are many freeze frames of the park while the liner narrator is telling the story to let the audience capture her childhood, however, this is very unusual, although, lets the audience focus on the story line, using the park to relate this.

·         The camera is set on continuous as it shows the sun setting throughout the day. It begins with a happy story of her father and as the day darkens, the storyline becomes more abhorrent.

·         The camera is using a close up shot showing the full moon, showing this by the moon reflecting onto water. Full moon symbolizes a time when the influence of other dimensions are high on living souls which gives an impression of what the film is going to introduce, e.g. thriller genre.

·         The main character is introduced by hiding himself and using edits to show the date and location, the timing is late within the night showing this is an unusual thing to do. The camera angles are focused on a medium shot; however, as an audience we can’t see his facial expression which creates tension.

·         The camera captures quick shots showing each aspect of the character and how they behave.

·         Low angle on the man showing he is important/powerful.

·         Using an ECU shot on the male’s body to show the hurt and pain coursed.

·         Using a BCU and DS shot to emphasise the weapon and creates the audience to focus on an important part of the opening which gives an understanding of the character.

·         Jump cut is used when the male character is cutting the dog, although, as an audience we can hear the weeping and slicing which is too disturbing for a 15 certificate. 

·         Using a CU shot on the stream of blood flowing into the drain emphasizes that something careless had happened.

SOUND

·         The music was dramatic, apathetic, and seedy with a sudden loud deliberate bang when the man falls to the ground creating a sense of strength as he is able to hold himself up.                                                                               

·         While the female character is telling her story during the opening of the movie, the audience can hear the swings rocking in the background. This creates a disturbing, yet, alarming atmosphere for the audience as we see this as a horrific kidnapping sequence.

·         Quick, powerful sound effects while introducing the main character which as an audience we associate this with being forceful, strong and an enemy-like character

·         Non- diegetic sound meaning the characters cannot hear and is not part of the imaginary world of the story. 
 

EDITING

·         The opening credits were a bold, dramatic blue against a black background and suddenly faded away like thick smoke which creates a mysterious atmosphere

·         The title of the film is bold, dramatic, enduring and is over-powering which is full on.

·         Using equilibrium at the beginning of the opening to create a sense of peace, calm and tranquilizing atmosphere while the women is talking about her childhood – the colour are very harmonious

·         While the woman is talking it creates ‘the enigma code’ as a mysterious question is posed within the films narrative.

·         While the woman is talking about her childhood, this creates a contrast as the scenery is a child’s park which is distorted, however, looks like it’s a summer’s day.

·         As the woman tells the story, explaining it in more detail about the hatred of her father, the day becomes more dark and dull, slowly fading away.

·         When the character is introduced, the writing showing the date and time suggests that he is hiding something

·         The montage editing of images suddenly fades away with the women’s story into a sudden ‘crash’ when the male character comes onto the screen, suggesting controlling and demanding character.

·         While showing the weapon for the first time, they will want the audience to make sure that it’s important, blurring out the character in the background. However using DS to show who has the weapon

·         All the lighting is made to look natural; however, this artificial lighting is extremely dull and musky.

·         The character has an eye line match with the audience

·         Continuity editing

MISE EN SCENE

·         Lighting: very soft representing a mystery, yet, uncanny atmosphere.

·         Mid tones and shadows which creates vulnerability within the women’s story

·         Props:  knife which suggests that he’s scared, needs protection or fighting for something/someone

·         The colours are mostly dark and blacks while showing the main character, creating a feeling of death and sorrow.

·         The makeup on the main characters face – blood. Showing a sense of pain/anger, however, portrayed as a powerful and strong character.

·         The customer the main character is wearing is a long black cape which most people associate this with a mystery, insecure man, maybe hiding something.
·         Iconography is used by the objects within the film are used to evoke particular meanings.

8 print screens of important camera angles in 'LEGION'