For my shot analysis I chose a scene from the Kevin Smith
film "Dogma". This scene comes
in a part of the story where Bartleby (Ben Affleck) has just been informed that
his play to re-enter heaven with his cohort Loki (Matt Damon) will destroy all
existence in the process. So far in the
story Bartleby has been a somewhat light-hearted, though sarcastic character. This scene shows his transformation into a
pure antagonist, choosing to disregard all others and attempt to "go
home" even if it means the universe's destruction.
The use of soft lighting in a dreary environment gives a
very bleak look to the scene, with very little use of color other than the red
cloth on the characters' shirt/hood.
Other than this color the wardrobe and background consists primarily of
neutral shades of gray, with other colors that ARE present appearing washed
out.
The camera seems to be hand-held, but steady enough to give
a professional feel. I believe the
hand-held look gives a certain realism to the scene, with subtle movements that
make the viewer feel like they’re actually in the dingy parking garage. The scene also features a fairly wide depth
of field, which I feel also adds to the realism.
From here I'll give a shot list (with multiple pictures for
shots with camera movement) and give a brief analysis along with it.
Shot 1 is a MLS that begins with a closed door that the characters enter through. The camera picks up pace with the characters and dollies to the right. This scene could possibly have been done with a dolly, although it may be hand-held. I believe this opening shot looks smoother than those that follow which makes me lean toward the former.
Shots 2-5 are a series of MS’s that alternate between Loki speaking and Bartleby’s reactions. The camera moves closer because the setting is now established and the viewer’s attention should be focused more on the character’s movements and expressions.
Shot 6 begins as a MS similar to those before it, but the camera moves a bit closer throughout the shot while the character Bartleby takes a step in, forming a MCU. This movement comes in a section of dialogue in which Bartleby’s more sadistic side is revealed, intensifying the conversation.
Shots 7-10 are a series of progressively-closer MS’s that show the growing intensity of the conversation between Bartleby and Loki.
Shot 11 takes us back to a LS, wider than any featured to this point in the scene, for the purpose of showing Bartleby’s enthusiastic expression in his speech.
Shot 12 Cuts back momentarily to the MCU of Bartleby to give a detailed look of his demeanor intensifying.
Shot 13 goes back to the LS from shot 11 and pans slightly to the left and back to the right as Bartleby paces in front of Loki.
Shot 14 is a MCU of Loki in which he is obviously becoming uncomfortable. This mood is conveyed through a slightly canted angle on the shot, along with (I believe) a somewhat shakier camera.
Shot 15 is a quick MCU of Bartleby clapping his hands at Loki, which leads to…
Shot 16, which is Loki’s reaction. The transition between these shots solidifies the scene as dramatic and assures that there won’t be a return to the lightheartedness.
Shots 17-20 are more back-and-forth MCU’s still getting closer as the conversation continues to intensify.
Shot 21 is a smooth shot that starts in an intense portion of conversation with a MCU, but follows the Bartleby to the left (hand-held, walking) to form a MS as he cools his head. This is more evidence that the DP is using closer camera angles to express intensity.
Shots 22-28 are shown here, but basically follow the same pattern of shots that has been used earlier in the scene.
Shot 29 is an interesting shot that starts as a MCU of Bartleby who exits the screen to the left, revealing a MS of Loki, whose surprised expression had been previously masked. I liked this used of camera angles to reveal Loki’s realization that Bartleby is “losing it”.
Shot 30 Is a MS of Bartleby from behind, then turning toward camera, to further begin to intensify the conversation.
Shots 31-35 continue to use previous shots and editing patterns.
Shot 36-40 feature a new OTS MCU for Loki’s speech along with the reverse shot for Bartleby’s reaction shots. I believe this series of shots gives us a feeling that Bartleby is slightly dominant, as his camera angles are slightly lower relative to his height (as the shots are hand-held, this could also just be due to the actors’ heights). This series ends with Loki exiting screen left, obstructed by Bartleby.
Shots 41-46 are a series of MCU OTS and 2-shots. As these shots show a struggle, the close angles give a very strong feeling of impending danger.
The scene ends with shot 47, a MCU of Loki in which Bartleby crosses frame right and Loki follows. I believe the fact that Loki gets the last, worried look in this scene is foreshadowing that he won’t fully cooperate with Bartleby’s plan.
