Shot Sequence Analysis - Sin City

Shot 1:
This shot is a medium close-up and is taken from a high angle. It uses low key lighting which causes small shadows on the character. However the expression on the man’s face is still clearly shown and it seems to represent fear. His body positioning shows vulnerability as he is lying on the ground, with his enemy almost directly above him. The angle that this shot is taken from emphasises his entrapment and gives us the point of view of the other character. Also his uncomfortable positioning and gestures also suggests struggle as he’s holding the side of his face, which can also imply that he is in pain or is injured. However, despite this and the fact that he is trapped, he seems reluctant to give up as he is holding a gun in his right hand and aiming at another character, which is out of shot. The character and the gun are central within the frame which focuses our attention on the character’s actions and emotions.

Shot 2:
This shot is a long shot and is also taken from a high angle. The second character is introduced in this shot as the camera zooms out, however his identity is concealed from the audience as his back faces the camera, which adds mystery. He is standing over the character on the floor, with his gun aiming in their direction. His positioning seems quite threatening and powerful, which adds suspense and tension for the audience. The other character is clearly shown as a victim here, as he lays defenceless and open. The long shot establishes a better idea of the surroundings and it seems to be a wooden pier/bridge over water. There is also blood beside the character on the ground, which is emphasised by the use of lighting and stands out. The costume of the character standing relates to the genre and theme of the shot as he is wearing a long coat.

Shot 3:
This shot is an extreme long shot and is taken from a side angle. It reveals another two characters into the scene (a young girl tied to a post and a tall man wearing black and a long coat, standing behind the other man, both watching the confrontation between the two men). This angle gives an even better understanding of the surroundings as it is a wider shot and shows further into the distance. The abandoned looking warehouse behind them adds to eerier feel, as well as the fact that it is dark (night - streetlights). The main lighting in the shot highlights where all the characters are, in the centre of the image, which keeps attention on characters and shows the audience where the action is taking place. The use of lighting also highlights the gun in one of the character’s hands, the one wearing the long black coat. This shot also extends the idea that the central character is powerful, as he leans over the defenceless one.

Shot 4:
This shot is a long shot, taken from the same angle as the previous shot, but more zoomed in, with a tighter frame. This results in more focus and emphasis on the two main men and the action taking place there. The use of lighting also highlights the characters, acting nearly as a spotlight. The main man holding the gun has raised it, aiming it at the other again. This develops the tension and suspense within the audience as they wait to see what the result is. The position of the man on the floor can imply that he has already been shot or is panicking a lot. The other character seems much calmer about shooting and his long coat blowing in the wind adds to the atmosphere. This mist and city lights in the distance emphasise the element of isolation that these characters are in, as it is far from this action which seems to be in an emptier area. The little girl is not in the main part of the shot, however we can see that she has turned her head, facing another direction, implying that she is trying to avoid seeing what is happening.

Shot 5:
This shot is a medium close-up and therefore catches the strong emotion of the girl clearly, as we can see that she is crying and extremely upset. From this reaction, we can tell that something has just happened, possibly that the other man has been shot. We feel the girl’s emotions of distress and this helps the audience identify with that. This presentation of strong emotion using a clear expression is an extreme contrast to the other shots, where we had less of an idea of what the other characters were feeling, resulting in us making assumptions. The use of low key lighting casts small shadows over the young girl which makes it more dramatic. She is looking slightly to her right and downwards, implying she is looking at the lying man, with whom she may have a link.

Shot 6:
This last shot is a long shot, taken from a slightly low angle. The man lying on the floor seems motionless, implying he may have just been killed. The man standing over him appears to be in pain, possibly has also been shot; we can see this in his expression and the way he is standing. The man furthest in the background seems extremely relaxed and calm, however we can not see much of the little girl in this shot. The use of low key lighting again highlights the pier and action that is going on in this shot. Further in the distance, we can see smoke and mist, which adds to the sinister and mysterious atmosphere.

As a Sequence:
As a sequence, these shots work well together, as the audience can gradually gain an idea of the narrative and what is taking place. Throughout the sequence, the distances and angles of the shots are constantly being changed; this gives the viewer the chance to see it from another perspective. Also, as more characters appear in the shots, the viewer is unsure as to what will happen, this adds to the suspense. This gradual development of shots keeps the audiences interest and adds to the tension which is very important in a thriller.