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 Gordon, except now in a close-up shot, showing a build in tension. Gordons face is also shown with less light on his face, as it gradually becomes more and more consumed with shadows; this is a way of showing to the audience visually that the situation is darkening. At this point, the only sound is diegetic, creating realism, making the audience feel uncomfortable. The shot-reverse-shot technique is used as the two characters converse, until a tracking shot is used as Gordon walks to the back of the room. The camera then cuts back to the Joker, but this time, in a more zoomed in close up, he tilts his head to make the frame look like it is being shot at a dutch angle, indicating impending danger. 

As Gordon exits the scene the camera cuts back to the Joker before an overhead light is switched on, creating harsh lighting, making the audience uncomfortable. The hard lighting reveals more of the grotesque details of the make-up effects used to create a distinctive, terrifying look for the Joker. The new lighting reveals his costume, which is a green waistcoat over a blue long-sleeve shirt with a hexagonal design. The colour green is often associated with sickness or disgust, which is significant because it shows the audience the type of emotions they are meant to feel when looking at the character. Heath is in focus in the foreground of the frame, while Christian Bale's Batman enters the scene, out of focus in the background. Batman slams the Joker's head on he table as he leaves the frame (screen left). The camera cuts to a low angle of Bale, showing that his character has power. The camera then cuts to a long shot of the room, framing bale from behind, as he slams his fist down on Ledger's hand, the long makes him look small and instignificant, showing that his usual interrogation tactics are rendered useless against the Joker. The camera cuts to a close-up reaction shot of Ledger who is clearly unphased by the pain, as shown in his facial expression. Bale then sits down as the shot-reverse-shot technique is used to frame the conversation had by the two. These shots are framed at a neutral angle, showing that, despite being complete opposites, both the Joker and Batman are equally powerful.