How micro features are used in the opening sequence of ‘Angus

thongs and perfect snogging’ to create meaning

Natasha Cremona

Cinematography - Camera shots

Extreme Close up

This shot gives us a close up of the main character’s face. It allows us to clearly see that she is angry and upset from her facial expression. The fact that her emotions have been highlighted with this camera shot shows that she is a main character/important in the film.

Close up

This close up shows the character’s reaction to what has just happened in the narrative. She is looking away from the camera which shows that her attention is on something else. This shot also shows the characters face more clearly as her eyes are open, allowing us to recognize her.

Cinematography - Camera shots

Medium shot

This medium shot allows us to see more of the costume that the character is wearing. Along with her shameful expression, the fact that she is wearing an olive costume outside yet the people in the background of this shot aren’t, suggests that this is not usual clothing within the film.

Cinematography - Camera shots

Aerial shot

This aerial shot of the main character makes her appear very small and insignificant. This may be to represent how she is currently feeling. This angle also makes her costume appear most like an actual stuffed olive, which adds comedic value.

Cinematography - Camera shots

Long shot

This shot gives us some information about the location. We can see that currently the main character is running through the street in her olive costume which again we find funny. We can also see that the weather is good which suggests that it is summer time.

Cinematography - Camera shots

Extreme long shot

This extreme long shot does not show the exact location but we can see that it is a popular area by the coast as there are a lot of houses and you can see the sea.

Cinematography - Camera shots

Cinematography - Camera movement

Track

This tracking shot makes us as an audience feel like we are part of the action. We feel like we are also running away along with the main character.

Pan

This panning shot makes us follow the main character as she runs out of the house where the party was. Also the area that the character is running across would not have fit in one frame whilst still showing her clearly.

Cinematography - Camera movement

Tilt

This tilt shot has been used to show the vertical significance of this statue. We get the impression that it is really big as the entire thing has not been shown in one frame. This makes us feel small like the main character does.

Cinematography - Camera movement

Zoom

Editing

This zoom shot has been used to magnify this character. As she is talking the camera zooms in on her face. This emphasizes the nasty things that she is saying to the main character about her costume, making her seem even more intimidating.

Cut

Editing

This cut transitions from the main character walking to the party to her arriving and everyone seeing her. This reflects the surprised and confused reaction of the other characters at the party as it is quick and unexpected.

Editing

Pace

The pace changes from before the main character goes to the party and afterwards. When she leaves the party the energy builds as she runs away. This keeps us engaged.

Diegesis

Performance

The vocal delivery, interaction between characters and physical expression tells us a lot about the characters and their relationship with others on screen. The vocal delivery of the gasps when the main character enters the room shows how shocked everyone is. The interaction between her and the other characters shows that she is causing a commotion, for example her bumping into another girl making her spill her drink. Also the physical expression of her friends when they see what she is wearing shows that even they are embarrassed for her.

Diegetic sound

Diegesis - Sound

The diegetic sound includes the character’s speech, the group noises such as the gasp and laughter and the traffic outside. This keeps the narrative realistic and relatable so it fits the genre.

Diegesis - Sound

Non Diegetic sound

The main non diegetic sound starts when the main character runs away from the party. The song ‘She’s so lovely’ is played. This song fits the ‘Teen comedy’ convention of having a pop song that appeals to the younger generation. Even though what is happening in the narrative to the character is bad, this light-hearted, upbeat song ensures that it is not taken seriously.

Mise en scene

Mise en scene

The setting, décor, props, costume and make up are made to be very relatable for the situation. The characters are at a fancy dress house party so their costumes are all fancy dress. The setting of the living room and the props of snacks and drinks on the table are very realistic.

Natasha Cremona