Taking of Pelham 123
How is meaning created in this clip through the use of the micro-elements?
Sound
In the clip, there is lots of the sound of train tracks brake, which gives a meaning of emergency encounter or the idea of under pressure. Also, there's hip-hop music playing in the background when the antagonist is present in the scene, which conveys the meaning of streets or gangsta. In addition, there are nondiegetic sounds of the airhorn and ticking music that builds up the tension of danger.However, the music then changes to a more natural sound ( phone ringing, foot steps) when the location switches to the operation office, that gives a sense of being organized. Which then contact with the sense of chaotic happening in the railway. Moreover, characters use radio, microphone as a way of communicating some effects such as echoing to show the long distance between characters (wide proximity).
Cinematography
The beginning of the clip includes establishing shot that shows the setting of the clip. Which is set in a city with crowded people, showing a sense of the city being very busy. In this clips it constantly showing the location of the characters by showing signs of "subway" or the street name.
The antagonist is introduced by they statically standing still while the background moving. This conveys the idea of them being isolated form the rest of the world, by standing out from the moving crowd and the feeling of emotionless. The feeling of emotionless is supported by their blank fascial expression. The way that they are all covered with clothing gives a sense of mystery but also the stereotypes of "bad guys" as they soon will commit a crime.
This clips plays with foreground and background frequently through of the clip. Which portrayed a feeling of insider and outsider and that the antagonist is breaking into the the train.
Mise en Scene
The protagonist is represented as an approachable and nice as in on of the scene his college provides him with a drink and is able to have an informal talk with him. Also, he is portrayed as the one who is in charged and had own his place in the office as others are sitting down looking up at him while he walks around; showing power. He is also represented as having great knowledge in his career area and that he is ambitious as he and his college have been mention complains about the current manager. Overall, he is very active which contrast with the passiveness of antagonist
Timing is considered an important factor in the clip. As the protagonist been checking his watch and at the end the time changes. It uses lots of fast forward or slow motion effects which contradict with the time. Both the protagonist and antagonist shows that they are both well organized and planned, that contact the sense of crowded and busyness in the environment.
The color pallet in the office is mostly cool colors of white and blue. Which gives a sense of calmness. However, it then switches to being warm color of yellow and orange when the location is in the railways. This shows it being more active, violent. Again, it contradicts each other.
Editing
Includes frequent scene change which supports the busy environment. As it switches into vary location in a short period of time. However, things that are happening are very organized both in the office and how well planned the antagonist are. As mention, this clip cleverly uses the foreground and background as a transition between each scene. Such as people passing in front of the scene or the moving train passing across the scene. This then makes the flip very pacey, making it interesting for the audience to follow up with what is happening.
In this clip it uses parallel editing, showing two separate events happening at the same time. By doing this it is linking the two characters together as one is getting on the train and the other is controlling the trains.
