RESEARCH - Analysis of thriller film (holiday homework 2)

The movie that I will be analysing in terms of mis en scene, cinematography, sound and editing is "Dredd (2012)". In my opinion, while watching this film I believe it is very entertaining in terms of editing and mis en scene.

The film Dredd is a hybrid action-thriller movie, in which has elements of sci-fi and crime aswell. It is set in Washington DC, in which the streets are ruled by chaotic gang members. Officers called "Judges" are the new police in which have the combination powers of judge,jury and execution. They have the power to execute a criminal on the spot without permission from anyone eles. This is what makes the film exciting, the plot is original and based on the famous legendary british comic "Judge Dredd".



 PLOT
The plot is about a Judge (Dredd) and a woman (Anderson) who has pyschic mind reading skills, and it is her duty to protect Dredd. Also, Anderson is currently on her test on becoming a Judge, so she is a rookie. Both Anderson and Dredd have been trapped in a block of flats(called peach trees) controlled by a powerful gang of hundreds. It is 2 VS 100 which makes it seem impossible, but this is what makes the film exciting to watch.

MISE EN SCENE
  Advanced technology than there is today is shown, such as motorbikes built in with explosive rockets. This portrays the sci-fi element. The thriller element comes in with the suspense and sound created by the explosive rockets blasting out of the motorbike "Gun". Alot of weapons (machine guns, pistols) are portrayed in this movie, in which adds extra action suspense to this movie. Also, the armor that Judge Dredd is wearing portrays the power he has, to execute. The weapons that he holds show his toughness. The enemies are dressed with normal casual clothes, which shows the difference between Judge Dredd and the enemy, that Dredd is a higher, more skilled class than the enemy.

CINEMATOGRAPHY
Alot of close ups are used to show expression on the individuals face, these include those who are in pain and those who are fearless. In which for example, a close up of Judge Dredd's face is shown when he is battling with the enemy, this shows the ruthless and ambition of his him and potentially his job. A close up of an enemy after he has been shot shows that he is fear of death in which he is sweating and crying. There is also a lot of wide shots to remind the audience that the film is set in the future, in which the setting is more technologically advanced than today. There are various camera angles such as high angle shots which makes the enemy vulnerable to Dredd. 

EDITING
There are scenes in this film that are slowed down in which links to the "drugs" that slows down time. These drugs are used by the enemy to torture their victims, in which they force them to inhale a drug which slows down time in their brain, and then they are thrown down a 1000ft balcony. The drugs will trick their mind in slowing it down therefore the victim are experiencing a slow death. The editing is used very well in these scenes. The colour is also changed while the victim is taking the drug, which portrays artificialness.

SOUND
The non diegetic in this movie is very intelligent, in which the music is thrilling using the combination of different instruments (Drums, Violin, guitars). There is suspense created by the music throughout the film, which makes it exciting to watch. There are build ups of small volume of non diegetic music, and then it gradually increases to increase the suspense of whats going to happen (either an upcoming gunfight or a chase). The sound is a very important convention in which it creates a face paced atmosphere, this is an important component in a thriller.