Analysis of flightplan

Analysis of FlightPlan.Director: Robert SchwentkeBorn: 1968 in Stuttgart, GermanyDirected: Red, Time Travellers Wife and Tattoo.

Release Date: 2005

By: Harrison J Gallagher Ryan Rana

The opening shot flashes from a black screen to a train, which suggests that danger is being associated with the concept of the film.Through this, the audience are aware that danger will be a recurring theme through-out the film, which is a convention of a thriller genre.

Harsh lighting gives the audience a sense of tension in the opening scene.The main character is established in isolation which connotes that there are psychological elements to the film.

Mise-en-scene:

Mise-en-scene:

The character appears to be focusing on something that is unknown to the audience, we get the impression that it is something negative by her facial expression which is emotionless and the tears convey the character's sadness.

The coffin is in the centre of the frame and it is well lit compared to its surroundings, therefore we pay more attention to this prop.It is symbolic of death and may give us an insight as to why the character from the previous shot was upset.The male character to the left, who we may assume is the undertaker, is dressed formally which shows the serious nature of the film.

Camera Angle Shots and Movement:

The aerial shot of the man represents the notion of death. Moreover, this could foreshadow future events that could occur in this film.

This crane shot illustrates the isolation of the main character again, which could show that she may have a detached relationship with the other characters in the film. This shot also makes her appear vulnerable which suggests that she is the victim throughout the film.

Camera Angle Shots and Movement:

The establishing shot introduces the setting to the audience, which shows an empty train station. This is a common setting for films of the thriller genre.

• The sound effect of the train is eerie, connoting mystery, which makes the audience feel uneasy.

• The ambient sound of the crows flapping their wings adds realism as “background noise” and creates an ominous atmosphere; stereotypical of a thriller film.

• The undertaker’s dialogue "You need to enter your code now” is in a different language, showing the seriousness of the situation.

• The incidental music played occasionally, has the effect of creating tension which maintains audience interest and viewing experience.

Sound:

• There is continuity editing (use of straight cuts) which enables the narrative of the film to make sense in chronological order.

• Some of the cuts use a fade transition (from the outdoor snow scene to the a shot inside a child’s bedroom).

• The consistent match-on-action makes the production appear more convincing to its audience.

• The use of shot-reverse shot shows the reactions of the characters to one another and enhances the audiences experience as we feel more involved in the narrative.

Editing:

• The setting, an aspect of mise-en-scene is appropriately lit and located to conform to the thriller genre.

• The use of camera angles, shots and movement contributes to creating the atmosphere that surrounds the films setting and characters.

• The acting (figure movement and expression) is convincing and effective which increases the quality of the production. Their performance is enhanced by the use of editing.

• The use of sound is subtle yet effective as it creates the eerie atmosphere that the film has.

Effectiveness: