Examine the ways in which camera work and misé en scene construct meanings and create effects
... 10 - Scene 26 - “I’m Great” - Scene 27 - “My Stupid Little Life” The first shot of this scene is a Carolyn Burnham’s point of view shot from the car; it is raining heavily around her, which I think may indicate her emotional despair at this time. ... The camera cuts to a conversation between Lester Burnham and Angela Hayes. During this conversation the camera uses a medium shot-reverse-shot between the actors. ... The closeness of the camera makes the audience feel much closer to the character both physically and emotionally and I think this really helps us to sympathise with both of these characters. ... The camera is slightly below eye-line on Lester and slightly above the eye-line shot on Angela, and this reinforces how Lester’s authority has grown, and he is now seen as a competent adult rather the pathetic loser he was. The camera cuts out and there is a wide shot as the camera pans to follow Lester around his kitchen, there is a close up, eye line shot of Lester sitting at the table in his hands he holds a framed photo. The camera cuts to a point of view shot of the picture. ... Instead the camera pans to the left and we see blood splattering on the wall. ... The camera is shaky and I think this adds to the feeling of tension and upset in the house. ... V shot pushes us into the scene and we feel as though we are there opening the door, not knowing what to expect. ... As the camera cuts back to a medium shot of Ricky bending down staring at Lester we see his impassiveness towards Lester’s death, this is a very powerful shot.