Scene+Analysis+Worksheet+The+Conversation PDF

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SCENE ANALYSIS WORKSHEET: The Conversation and Surveillance

1) The Conversation

2) Francis Ford Coppola, 1974

4) 1:34:37- 1:36:50

5) Under sink surveillance and imagining a murder

6) Number of shots in selected sequence

7) Summary: What happens in this sequence? Harry drills out a small hole in the wall, which allows him to listen in on the conversations that are going on in the room next to him. He is startled by sounds next door and tries to listen through the wall, then proceeds to look around the corner of the porch to see if he can see anything. As he is outside, he imagines the murderer pushing up the victim on the glass outside, and as viewers we see this happen. Then he is noticeably disturbed and falls asleep.

8) Context: What role does this sequence play within the larger story of the film? Harry is clearly concerned with his work effecting the safety of others throughout the entire film. He is distracted in almost every scene with the recording of this particular couple. He is concerned that someone will kill them because of him. At one point he says, “I’m not afraid of death, but I am of murder.” His concerned are confirmed in this scene, as it is determined that the Director killed Ann. This scene plays into the larger question, that is why is Harry spying on these people?

9) Theme Analysis: In a sentence, what is the film’s message about surveillance as embodied in this scene?

I think one of the films main messages that is embodied in this scene is that surveillance not only effects the people being spied on, but the person doing the spying as well

Modes of Media Production • Jennifer Proctor • Winter 2009

Which of the following elements in your chosen sequence best contribute to the theme you’ve just identified? You don’t need to fill out all of these elements, but be sure to justify the choices you do make by filling out the Meanings section and explaining how the technical/style choices help contribute to your understanding of the scene. Be sure to use specific terms associated with the categories you choose. 10) Cinematography.

Meanings.

11) Mise-en-scène. Spy equipment, furniture, picture and the setting of the hotel rooms right next to each other.

Meanings. The spy equipment is an essential item in this scene, as he uses it to determine what is talked about in the room next door. The fact that he feels like he has to protect Ann, shows he can’t handle his work completely. He tries to regain control and calm down by staring at a picture that is strategically place in front of him as he is lying in bed. There a few quick shots right after one another that emphasize him looking at this. His shadow also appears in it. This apparently doesn’t work, as he ends up tossing around sheets, furniture, etc. out of frustration or guilt. This is right after seeing blood and hearing a scream on the porch. The whole setting of 2 rooms, one secretly checked out by Harry to “protect” Ann, in and of it self proves that he is personally invested and feels for the people he spies on.

Modes of Media Production • Jennifer Proctor • Winter 2009

12) Editing.

Meanings.

Modes of Media Production • Jennifer Proctor • Winter 2009

13) Sound. Use of voice overs of the recorded conversation from the beginning of the movie

Meanings. This is mainly seen in the first few seconds of the scene as Harry is listening to the director and Ann speak. He hears Ann say “This has all been a lie! Don’t you understand that?” This is the opposite of what Harry knows from the recordings, which started to play, and it overwhelmed harry. This through the use of non-diegetic sound.

Modes of Media Production • Jennifer Proctor • Winter 2009...