Explore the ways in which two micro elements of film language create meaning and

response in one sequence of your chosen film

When analysing the opening sequence of Apocalypse Now the cinematography and
mise-en- scene, employed by the director and producer, are used to represent the
confusion and depression felt by the main character. It also offers the target audience an
understanding of setting establishes genre and seeks to engage the audience. It also
follows the typical codes and conventions of Hollywood by using metaphors and more to
show the audience a hint of the narrative and an insight into the main character.
The sequence commences with a static establishing shot, denoting a lust green jungle;
this immediately orients the audience and enables the demographic audience to
understand the setting of the film. The lush and abundant setting suggests it is thriving,
which in turn connotes life. However, it also creates a sense of enigma nothing beyond
the first line of trees can be seen; this suggests that there is something hiding in the
forest and creates a sense of apprehension. This sense of enigma is heightened when an
object flashes past the static camera, going too fast to identify; this leaves the audience
with questions about what the object is. A second time the prop goes by showing the
audience it is a helicopter. The helicopter breaks the peace of the jungle, in turn
suggesting war connoting the danger and death.
The slow panning shot denotes dark yellow dust then comes on the foreground of the
screen. This special effect is used as the dark yellow contrasts with the green, suggesting
that it is something vile that covers the tranquility of life. As the smoke rises up it covers
the jungle. This suggests that the war that has caused this dust completely smothers
peace. This in turn connotes the destruction and death brought by war. Moreover, a long
shot only denotes that seconds after this dust, fire breaks out covering the jungle. This
special effect suggests the destruction of life, and in turn creates a sense of enigma as
the demographic does not know why there is a fire, or the reason for this destruction.
This is effective in drawing in the attention of the audience, and uses narrative enigma to
ensure the concentration and engagement in the narrative. Moreover, the dark red of the
flames connotes danger and pain, all things brought on by war.
The next scene in this sequence starts with an extreme close-up of the main characters
face. This is done to show clearly his emotional state through gesture codes and facial
expression. From this, we see the emotionless expression on his face, inferring signs of
depression. Additionally, low key lighting is used. This creates shadows on his face, this
symbolic code gives him a look of exhaustion and weariness. This suggests that he is
broken and beaten; this allows the demographic an insight into the character and creates
a sense of the narrative, without giving away the rest of plot. Furthermore, the
juxtaposition of the exterior and interior shots denotes the dull greyness of the room
against the vivid life of the exterior. This once more connotes how he feels about being in
the confides of the room.
The mise-en-scene then shows the belongings of the character and a panning shot is
used to show everything; the props hint aspects of the character. For example, the prop
of dog tags shows us that he was a soldier as it is iconic of war military; this suggests a
reason for the gesture codes used by the actor in the previous shot. Furthermore,
additional props used are alcohol, a picture of his wife, some money and what looks like
drugs. This mise-en-scene and panning shot suggests that these items are important to
the character; moreover, it suggests that this is all he owns. This suggests that he was
previously on the move and travelling light or that he is prepared to grab his belongings
and go; thus once more reinforcing that he was a soldier and that he is unhappy in his

current situation. Moreover, the alcohol and drugs have connotations of his depression
and suggest that he is mentally and emotionally unraveling.
The next shot denotes a mid shot of the actor picking up and looking at the photos of his
wife accompanied by the non-diegetic sound of a voice-over talking about the divorce.
This implies that the character picked war over his wife and sets up a conflict. This
connotes that not only was he a soldier but he was consumed entirely the war, explaining
his decreased state now he is no longer part of it. A panning shot shows the costume of
the male actor and the gun clasped in his hand. This gesture code suggests paranoia as
he seems afraid of an attack. However, on the other hand, it could suggest his readiness
to be called back to the war and how he is prepared and waiting for his order.
Stereotypically the gun has connotations of violence, and pain. The readiness the
character shows to use this weapon suggests that he shares these characteristics. These
elements of mise-en-scene allow us to get hints of not only the plot but ideas about the
character. Moreover, the costume shows him as unshaven and bare-chested this implies
that he is mentally unraveling, connoting the depression of the character and arousing
audiences curiosity.
A point-of-view shot shows us the ceiling fan; this is a bridge between this scene and the
previous scene and shows the audience how the character is thinking about the war. The
ceiling fan suggests the blades of a helicopter. This similarity is also shown with jump
cuts which alternate between helicopter blades and the ceiling. This point of view shot
not only allows the audience to understand the character but shows the attachment he
has to the war, and the effect it has had on him. This connotes that he thinks about the
war and misses it, suggesting that he enjoyed the war and the things that it brought.
Furthermore, it suggests that the war left its mark on the character and still affects him
after he has been withdrawn.
To end the sequence, a high angle long shot is used. This suggests the powerlessness of
the character as it makes the character seem smaller, it also suggests that he is inferior
to the situation and implies his vulnerability. Moreover, practical key lighting is used as a
lamp is situated in the top hand corner. This creates shadows and a silhouette on the
character suggesting that he is haunted and oppressed. This also connotes the darkness
of the character and the pain, as well as a sense of enigma, as black suggests something
hidden. Additionally, a high angle shot shows gesture and action codes of the character
denote him as hunched over and curled around himself, this is a defensive position which
contrasts with the violent, powerful and stereotypical representation of a soldier and the
camera angle only highlights these connotations. This connotes that he is broken and
scared, suggesting a new side to the character. The mise-en-scene of the props also
create a sense of isolation, as the chairs are mismatched and facing away from each
other metaphorically signifying the disjunction and fragmentation of the characters life.
This connotes the loneliness of the character and the isolation that he feels.
In conclusion, the cinematography and mise-en-scene work in conjunction to suggest to
the audience information about the character and plot. The opening uses mise-en-scene
well to help to understand about the characters back story and state of mind, while an
array of camera angles are used to create an understanding of the characters thoughts
and emotions, while being emotionally intense for the audience as well.