natasha2hofe’s Blog

I chose to analyse Life on Mars as it is extremely exciting in the way of sound and mise en scene. I selected a 10 minute period to study from the first episode or the first series.

 

Life on Mars is about a male police man who is hit by a car. Whilst being in a coma he goes back in time to the 70s and lives his life but 30 years earlier. I thought the section I chose to analyse would be interesting as it is very exciting and shows when he is knocked back in time. Most of the characters involved include police officers and criminals while the themes are related to crime relationships and time travel.

 

The camera work begins with a big close up to show intense frustration and emotion, this then cuts to a medium short of the main character in the car crying which gradually zooms in slowly focusing on his face and that is the main focal point. This creates strong atmosphere with is enhanced by the orchestral score music.

Suddenly from slow moving shots it quickly cuts to the character gradually getting angrier and pounding against his steering wheel. All cuts involved here are quick and fast moving when suddenly he nearly crashes into another vehicle creating a quick and busy panic. The screech of the tyres and sound of both cars horns are loud over the orchestral score and send viewers into panic. Straight after this has happened the orchestral music stops very suddenly and parallel incidental music playing from his ipod in his car fills our ears gradually getting loud and louder building great suspense. Suddenly he is hit by a fast moving car and the music cuts completely creating absolute maximum impact as he lies there on the floor.