In terms of the costumes in Labrat 'Chris' is dressed like most teenagers; simple and casual attire. This helps the audience to identify with the character and as the narrative develops we can establish that 'Chris' is our protagonist.. However, costumes do alternate between the casual wear and when he puts on the lab coat, gloves etc. The change in costumes could suggest that there are two sides to 'Chris' just like there are two sides to the story that 'Chris' is telling us as the narrative develops. In the clip we also see the person who attacks Chris giving him the bruise under his eye, which allows us to identify him as the antagonist or the villain.
Next, in relation to the lighting. From the start of the clip into the middle of the clip all the lighting is natural,it is either using light from the sun when outside or light from the rooms when filming is taking place inside the buildings. Then, as we progress towards the end of the clip the filming takes place inside the chemistry lab I think that filler lights were used which help to soften any shadows created by any other lighting. I also think that low key lighting was used at times when a strong contrast between light and dark scenes are noticeable and dramatic shadows are created. This effect comes from the Italian word chiaroscuro. The use of these lighting types builds up a sense of tension and suspense among the audience, they are likely to try and piece together the development of the clip themselves which also helps to keep them engaged.
The props used are identified at the scenes of the lab. Props used include; Bunsen Burners, Test tubes and a large beaker. The props used helps the audience to understand the importance of chemistry in 'Chris' life. This helps the audience to identify with the character and understand more about him.
The settings alternate between the lab, library and behind a building. Each time the setting is shown on screen it links to what is being said in the audio/dialogue. For example, when we are being told the characters name,age and name of school he attends we are being shown a scene of him in a library. When these shots are stitched together the narrative is following a linear narrative. This means that shots are in sequence with a beginning, middle and end.
Cinematography
In terms of the camera framing a lot of interesting techniques have been used. To begin the clip, it goes straight into a extreme close up shot of the grass. The use of the of the extreme close up draws attention to the grass and the movement of it. It gets the audience wondering what significance the grass has in the story of 'Chris'. Then, a lot of close ups have been used, particularly of the chemicals in the lab. The use of these close ups highlights a significance of them in Chris's life. However, I think that there is an enigma codes as well. " Why does it have to be chemicals and making things that Chris turns to as a source of money?" and " What is Chris going to do with what he makes?" and " Are his activities legal?" I also identified the use of medium shots, for example a medium shot is used when Chris is speaking to the camera and when he is in the library, the two medium shots coming one after the other emphasizes the body language of Chris. This then helps the audience to further understand and identify with the protagonist.
Camera Movements are also used excellently. I think that a Steadicam sequence was used for the first into middle section of the clip. This is when the shots are filmed with a camera attached to a shoulder frame that is strapped to the camera operator. The use of a Steadicam allows for extended shots which follow the action shown on screen. With extended shots the audience are almost sutured (Stitched into) into the narrative which keeps them guessing. I also think that a tilt camera movement was used when Chris is ambushed behind the building. The use of the tilt camera movement which is a long shot allows the audience to identify between the protagonist and the antagonist. Being able to identify the two characters means that the clip kind of appeals to the emotional side of the audience because they are likely to feel like they want to help our protagonist in what seems to be his hour of need.
Sound
From the different types of sounds, I identified the use of diegetic sound at the very start of the birds which helps to set a basic scene for the audience and give them a basic understanding of the narrative. After that non diegetic sound is used which changes the view the audience are likely to already have developed about the atmosphere going from soft and mellow to a slightly more serious atmosphere. There is also a voice over, this helps the audience to really relate to what the character is saying as the story is directly told by him. Then, throughout I think that the clip uses parallel sounds. This means that the sound we hear is linking to what is being shown to us on the screen. I also think there was a sound bridge when we see close ups of the lab equipment as the music we hear continues throughout those scenes and creates a smooth transition from one scene to the next.
Editing
Finally, the editing types that I identified were a fade in/out, straight cuts and jump cuts. The fade out was used when on screen we are shown a close up of Chris and then the screen fades to black and reads ' Labrat' in white writing. However, the straight cuts are used all the time and are the type of editing that we don't realize as they are so frequent. Then, the jump cut that I am identifying is when the antagonist grabs Chris and pushes him to the wall and then the shot changes to Chris in a medical office. I thought this was a jump cut because the audiences attention is focused on what the antagonist is about to do to Chris at which point the shot suddenly changes to Chris in a medical office. Using all these types of shots combined makes the production look very professional and artistic while conveying a strong meaning to the audience
MCCAT
Overall, I think that the Cinematography and the editing of Labrat were what caught my eye and made me chose the production as one of my top 2 along with The Experiment. Together the cinematography and editing in particular make the production look professional and conveys the narrative well.
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