Film Viewing Practice Essay

The extract of the film "Agent Carter" shows various forms of camera shots, editing techniques, sound options, and mise-en-scene throughout the clip. These aspects of film help to give the movie a meaning and help the viewer comprehend the different parts that the director may be trying to show.

The film shows the viewer different forms of camera shots and angles during this clip of "Agent Carter." First off, the extract show an establishing shot almost right away in the office setting. The camera angle rotates around the room to show what the different people are doing and to show the environment in which they work in. The shot clearly defines the location and the mood of the scene as a busy working environment. After the establishing shot in the office, the director uses a close shot of Agent Carter and a coworker having a conversation. This shot allows the viewers to focus solely on their conversation and try to understand what is going on between them. Another example used is a high angle shot when the camera is above the subjects that are walking up the stairs. This does not really have much meaning, but it gives the viewers an alternative perspective.

The film also shows various examples of editing techniques. One example of editing is symbolism. The director will use cuts and different shots to emphasize how much Agent Carter misses Steve Rogers from the introduction clip and when she finds the picture of him in her work drawer. This then encourages her to go find answers for herself. Another form of editing is the 45 second introduction where the scenes switch back and forth from Carter and Rogers. This example of simultaneity gives a backstory to the film.

This extract enhances multiple forms of sound. Most of the film includes diegetic sound which is where the characters and the audience can hear the sound. This type of sound occurs during the conversations in the office and during the scene at the end with the men she encounters. There is also an example of non-diegetic sound when she is fighting the men outside. Non-diegetic sound is when certain characters cannot hear something but the audience can. This occurs when the man inside is unaware of the fighting that is occurring outside.

The film lastly shows various forms of mise-en-scene to help the audience understand the film. Firstly, the setting is clear to the audience in the office and when she goes to confront the men in the warehouse. It is dark outside so the audience can anticipate something is going to happen. Additionally during this scene there is low-key lighting as the moonlight is the only source of light during the fight outside. The mise-en-scene of these extracts show the audience that something is going to occur.