The Truman Show - cinematography analysis

The Truman show movie clip: ‘Do something!’ – Cinematography analysis.

 

 The scene begins with an establishing shot where the camera is positioned facing Truman’s wife ‘Meryl’ from a slightly low angle, this low angle could be used to initially infer that Meryl will begin talking down to Truman. The scene cuts to the camera positioned behind Meryl and Truman is introduced sitting down in this scene. It can be argued that Meryl is standing in a domineering stance and in a way is attempting to assert aggression over Truman who is shown as powerless. As the two characters converse the camera continues to cut between these angles further establishing the divide between their personalities at the current point in this scene. Truman is shrugged down in his chair and almost seen as small in perspective to the rest of the setting (kitchen); this is done intentionally to demonstrate the dismal mood that Truman is in.

Soon after this, the camera zooms in on Meryl advertising a coco brand, the use of the zoom feature is effective as it is commonly used in the advertising industry and shows immediately to the viewer what Meryl is doing. The camera then cuts to a close up shot of Truman’s face a shows his reaction to the strange event. After this Truman stands up from his chair and the viewer is immediately displayed a change in the characters position of power. The camera uses a panning angle as it follows Truman whilst they walk across the room.

The camera quick cuts to an eye level POV shot through Truman’s eyes as Meryl backs away from him, as the two characters argue the camera cuts from Truman’s POV to Meryl’s; the camera during this POV utilises a low angle shot to further emphasise the dominance dynamic between the two. The camera continues to jump between the two characters perspectives whilst using the pan effect in a frantic and jerky movement pattern circling around the characters.

Next a high angle camera shot is used to show the whole actions, characters expression and movement within the scene. This is effective as the viewer can consolidate what is happening and can properly assess the situation.  The camera then cuts to what seems like a video recording software placed within the kitchen of Truman and his wife, during this time Truman has a knife to Meryl’s neck and a threatening situation is provoked. The use of this camera angle is effective as it shows that the camera is unnaturally placed and helps built on the plot of the movie. The camera then zooms onto the faces of Meryl and Truman and causes suspension and threat to rise.

The camera then cuts back to a medium range shot of the protagonist before continuing to pan as they enter a new room. The setting and environment of the scene goes from light to dark and inviting to cold. The camera begins to use a rapid tracking shot or possible dolly shot while it follows Meryl as she attempts to escape through the front door. Meryl is stopped by Truman and a close up shot of the doorknob is used to establish that someone is trying to force entry into the house. Truman’s friend Marlon emerges and a series of medium range quick cut shots take place between Marlon, Truman and Meryl.  A close up angle of Meryl’s face is used to demonstrate her terror to the reader, ultimately the camera cuts back to Truman with a medium range eye level shot from Marlon’s perspective showing the viewer Truman’s innate confusion and regret after attacking his partner.