The speed and motion is notable in this scene. The pods are
moving fast through tight spaces with the additional threat of competitors
crashing in to you. We’re familiar with
driving through tunnels, and the Pod Racing extract is like that but
exaggerated in both scale and speed. The pods are obviously going faster than
most motorway speed limits, so the slightest moment of poor judgement can send
you flying into a rock following an orange/yellow cloud of explosions. Unlike
planes flying through the air, there is relative motion with the ground and the
rocks; we can see how fast the pods are going in relative to everything else,
unlike planes in the air which don’t look as fast as they are actually going. It has a standard protagonist, which is represented as a young, brave little warrior, and a standard antagonist that is ugly, slimey and conniving. And of course, the antagonist fails and the protagonist wins, eliciting standard action/adventure tropes, but then again, what else could you expect from post-era George Lucas?
Q2: Explain how the following is used to create effects: mise-en-scene
The cinematography is most notable, switching between POV shots, close-ups and tracking shots, to intensify the speed and motion. The sound effects of the pods are mechanical and raw, making them seem as if they're made out of scrap metal and spare parts. The pods also look quite rusty, with iron screw panels instead of models as the pods shell. It creates the atmosphere of dereliction and desertion, which is certainly effective in a desert environment. In fact, everything about the atmosphere is presented as derelict and deserted. The spectators are wearing robes, much like those living in the desert, and the colour palette is mainly yellow/brown, like a Tunisian village. It's environment has a lot in common with The Hurt Locker in that regard, but in overall quality, The Phantom Menace and The Hurt Locker are polar opposites.
Q2: Explain how the following is used to create effects: mise-en-scene
The cinematography is most notable, switching between POV shots, close-ups and tracking shots, to intensify the speed and motion. The sound effects of the pods are mechanical and raw, making them seem as if they're made out of scrap metal and spare parts. The pods also look quite rusty, with iron screw panels instead of models as the pods shell. It creates the atmosphere of dereliction and desertion, which is certainly effective in a desert environment. In fact, everything about the atmosphere is presented as derelict and deserted. The spectators are wearing robes, much like those living in the desert, and the colour palette is mainly yellow/brown, like a Tunisian village. It's environment has a lot in common with The Hurt Locker in that regard, but in overall quality, The Phantom Menace and The Hurt Locker are polar opposites.
Grade A
ReplyDeleteFluently explained terminology, example, EAA on q.1. Tightly expressed. You are getting pretty polished on exam technique: I can't think of a better answer here!
You need to be more careful how you express yourself in q.2, however: avoid starting with words related to 'cinematography' and 'sound' as both are the subjects of the other 2 categories in the exam q.2. Instead, focus directly on mise-en-scene. You would need 2 detailed examples , so here you don't write enough about the other aliens. Err on the side of detail.