"One Hour Photo" extract - Lorna Wilson

1. In the opening extract from the thriller "one hour photo" camera work, sounds, editing and mise en scene communicate to the audience. From this extract the main character is depicted as an average middle aged family orientated man, soft spoken and seemingly not very threatening, this could suggest a psychological problem. The extract shows him in a police chamber being photographed and interrogated proving him to be a criminal, surprising for his appearance.
The opening credits have been created in a particular way, and could foreshadow the film. Colours used in the credits are white and red, this is typical of blood, death or danger. The credits start off white, flash then turn red. This could mean danger in relation to the camera. The flash of the text is similar to that of a camera, the detailing and symbols around the text are also found on a camera screen.
The setting of the police station is plain, spacious and linear, with a lot of metals and pale colours. This builds a harsh isolated and controlled atmosphere, making the main character look really out of place. There's a few long fixed pauses with the camera focussing on various pieces of equipment e.g. the camera at the beginning of the clip and the computer CCTV screen. This creates an eerie setting, along with the quiet sound which builds tension.
The effect of the Flashback is created through sound, mise en scene, editing and camera work. The sound effect of a camera flash links to make the transition in atmosphere and setting, other sounds of cheerful music and echoed children's laughter suggest a memory rather than reality. Mise en scene helps to create the effect as costumes are celebratory and lighting is brighter and colourful. Editing provides a brighter contrast in the flashback and the scene changes dramatically from harsh to fun and completely relaxed.
Aspects of mise en scene and sound work help to communicate very different atmospheres between the two places (police room and family celebration in garden) Body language in the police station is very stern and controlled, whereas the celebratory scene is active and fun. The sound work in the flashback is slightly echoed and is accompanied by a voice over taken from the main character who's memory it is. Generally the two settings are opposite to the other.