Blog post #3 Analysis of Scene

The scene I’ve selected to analyze is a dinner scene in the movie “The Boy in the Striped Pajamas”. This particular dinner scene consist of many characters seated around a dining table.

The camera switches between characters as the story unfolds, documenting their expressions and reactions in the process. Personally this constant switching allows me to interpret the mood of the dinner as well as each of the respective characters thoughts.

One of initial editing choices that I’ve notice is that although the camera switches it focus on various character throughout the scene, there are moments in which the focus would be on a character that is not partaking in the dialogue or the action. This could be director’s way of pointing out that although a particular character is not directly talking, his/her’s thoughts are important and relevant to the dialogue.

In general most of the shots in the scene are examples of close ups or extreme close ups

However, there are some variations like the medium shots employed to introduce the setting as well as cue the audience in on a significant moment in the scene. In one particular instance, when the father addresses a character outside of the dining table, the camera shots switches to a medium shot as well as shifts to a different point of view in order to show the audience who exactly he is addressing.

The progression of the scene demonstrates uncontinuous editing, there are many jump cuts between characters as the conversation goes on. Most of the characters seem to however be framed similarly with eye lines remaining constantly and a constant background of the dining room wall.

One particular, thing I’ve noticed was the lack of variations of high and low angles shots. As the father began to interrogate the Lieutenant the shots remained neutral. However, the intensity and the uncomfortableness was still vividly portrayed. I believe this comes down to the actor’s ability to portray emotions and shows a real sense of trust in the part of the director.

The scene also follows the 180 degree rule, when each of the two children appear in a shot, the shot is taken along the 180 degree spectrum, making sure that the way in which the audience views them is consistent.

Most of the film consist of diegetic sounds such as the character’s dialogue or the clanking of the fork as it hits the plate. However, there is also traces of somber music in the background.

https://youtu.be/GTy7ySwT1Js