Cinematography Blog Tasks

Find the opening sequence to a film or TV drama of your choice on YouTube and embed the video.

The Sopranos (S1 E1)

1) Write an analysis of the cinematography in the opening sequence. Highlight your use of media language and try to cover camera shots, angles and movement using the terminology we have learned in lessons.

The opening scene first begins with a medium long shot of the protagonist (Tony Soprano) who is framed by a statue of a woman in his therapist's waiting room. It then uses a mid shot to show the face of the statue of the woman and then zooms in to show close up shots of Tony and the statue, using shot reverse shot to imply to the viewer that Tony is looking at the statue. A mid shot is then used to introduce another character (Dr Melfi), with long shots being used to establish the setting of Melfi's office. Finally, close up shots of their faces are used to bring more focus to the character's emotions and let the audience know how they interact with each other.

2) How does the camerawork give the audience clues about the setting, narrative and character?

There is a focus placed on Tony through the use of close ups and the camera zooming into his face. The composition of the first shot is also used to frame him with the statue's legs that are out of focus. 

Secondly, find and analyse one film or TV still image. Add the image to your blogpost.

3) Analyse the camera shot/angle in the image and what it communicates to the audience. Remember to highlight the media terminology you use.

This is a high angle shot used to accentuate the iconography of the gun, taking up almost half of the frame, and warping the rest of the background akin to a shot taken with a fish eye lens. The focus on the gun emphasises her power in the narrative, communicating to the audience that she is in control in this scene and will triumph.