Film Studies A level: Analysis of a sequence in a film- interrogation scene 'The Dark Knight'
The scene opens with a medium, over the shoulder shot with Gary Oldman's Jim Gordon, centred in the frame, with one half of his face lit by a lamp on the table, creating a shadow on the other. This shows that the character is conflicted, and therefore not in control. The set is a cramped interrogation room, the tight nature of it creates claustrophobia, which makes the audience uncomfortable. Low key lighting is used, shrouding most of the frame in darkness, this is often used to create tension and suspicion, reinforcing the idea of an interrogation. The camera then cuts to a close-up of Heath ledger's Joker. Because of the use of a close-up, the audience can see more of the makeup details on the Joker's face making them uncomfortable. The frame is completely dark other than the Joker's face, indicating that he is being honest. The lack of lighting also removes any visual contrast/conflict, showing that the Joker is in control of the scene. The camera then cuts back to...