Analysis of Camera and Editing in British Social Realism

Analysis of Camera and Editing in British Social Realism

In this section of the film from the time code 3:50 to 4:10 we can denote very fast paced cuts closely together, which is used to create a lot of tension in this scene. From seeing that the cuts of the shot are very frequent we can tell that this is a montage of clips. We can also denote from this scene that the camera is also moving quickly in relation to the movements of the characters in the film. For example when she walks away the camera follows her and turns around but it is also quite rough and not very smooth as though it is recorded by hand. From the fast paced cuts we can denote that the scene in particular and perhaps the entire film is very fast paced and tense because lot's a cuts gives the impression that there is a lot of action taking place in the scene. The movements of the camera are also very quick and connote that the scene is very tense and fast paced, which is illustrated by the camera having to follow and track the movements, the blur also shows that there is a lot of motion. Finally the shaky and not refined movements of the camera give the impression that the scene isn't set in the nicest of moments or places as the shakiness of the camera reflects the rough and unprofessional lifestyle of the character. 


Camera Conventions 

Time Code: 2:07

In the opening of the film at 2:07 we can denote that the focus of the shot is on her sister and not her as she is blurred out in the foreground and off to the side of the screen. Because she is blurred out it connotes that she is seen as unimportant by the rest of the people in the film and is seen as an outcast in society especially considering that she is the main character in the film and the film is related to this stereotype of social class, however it also connotes that this is one of the major themes in the film and that she isn't recognised as someone in this area of Britain that appears from the screenshot as one of the more urban areas of the country and not looking very nice. This suggests that she isn't welcomed by anyone as this is one of the low end areas of the country. The camera is denoted as a mid shot in this screenshot that has been staged so that the main character is off to the left and her sister is in the centre. This connotes that her sister is seen as more important than the main character in this scene and shows that everyone is against her as not even here sister is even able to 

Time Code: 1:10

From this screenshot we can denote that the shot is an establishing shot that pans over to the right hand side. From the camera panning it allows us to see the setting of the film, that is set up in an urban area of the UK and that the film is not going to be very pleasant and that she and the story is going to be about negative things in society such as alcohol/drugs. The urban setting connotes this as urban areas are stereotyped with these things. Furthermore this also connotes that a lot of the UK is also in the same situation as the establishing shot is quite vast and continues to show the same type of living conditions stretch onto the horizon and connotes that there is no escape from this urban lifestyle that she has to put up with.

Time Code: 2:33

From this screenshot we can denote that the camera is portraying a shot between a mid-shot and a closeup of the character as well as showing the setting int he background. The shot type is quite significant because it connotes that her personality isn't quite right and that something is wrong with her because the shot type isn't one that is normally used as it is a mixture of two types of shot, this suggests that there is something similar wrong with her personality as she is the focus of the shot. 



Editing Conventions

In this part of the opening of the film we can denote that there is a part where there is a a large time gap between the two cuts. She starts inside far above the ground and then suddenly in a park, this connotes that there is a disunited and not closely followed plot to the story. Many things about the film and her are somewhat of a mystery and confusing to the audience and are later revealed to the audience. 

There is also a big difference in lighting as it starts off dark and then suddenly appears to be much lighter when she is outside, as a result it connotes that there is a big contrast in her behaviour as well and is prone to suddenly changing as reflected by the sudden change in lighting of the shot. 

 In these two screenshots that represent the editing of the film we can denote that there is also continuity in the editing as well, this helps to create a more realistic situation as well. 

This connotes that the film is going to be very continuous in terms of the problems that she faces on a daily basis and shows no end or time where they aren't an issue for her, connoting that in this area of the UK there are a lot of related problems but also that for her there is no end to it. It connotes that in British Social Realist films there is one cycle of depression and that there is always a point where something isn't going as it should, that this film genre is quite depressing.