For this task I have chosen to analyse a clip from the Sci-Fi Action film Looper, which has just recently hit the cinemas.
The clip begins mid-conversation between two characters. The transition between the 1st and 2nd shot creates a match on action - just as Bruce Willis turns to reach for his drink, it cuts to the next shot and we can now see his hand reaching for the mug. Shot 2 also acts as an Establishing Shot as the framing is wider which lets us see more of the setting. In the first shot it isn't clear where the conversation is taking place yet, but as the camera zooms out we can notice various objects such as the mugs on the table, the ketchup bottle and salt container in the background which suggest to us that they are in a diner.
The 180 Degree Rule is also followed throughout the clip so as to not disorientate the audience. The camera flips back and forth between the characters, but never crosses to the other side of the table. During the conversation we get a sense of space, and although we cannot always see both characters in the frame we can mentally 'place' them in the scene. Another feature that can be seen is the Shot Reverse Shot, which lets us see how the two characters are communicating during the conversation.
The clip uses straight cuts, which is effective as they set the pace of the scene. During the conversation the cuts are quite slow and rhythmic. On the other hand, as soon as Joe reaches for his gun near the end of the clip, the cut to the next shot comes very quickly to emphasise Willis' fast kick reaction and speed up the pace. Overall the clip uses continuity techniques effectively to create a smooth flow of actions between shots and make it easy for the audience to understand what's going on.
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