Analysis of a film similar to ours

Jacob's Ladder
Jacob's Ladder is an American psychological horror that was released November 2nd 1990.It was directed by Adrian Lyne, written and produced by Bruce Joel Rubin and stars Tim Robbins and Danny Aiello.

The first camera shot of the film is an establishing shot,often used to indicate where the scene is set and even when, in this film the establishing shot is of two helicopters that are carrying aid bags. From this shot the audience will know that the film is starting in an area that needs aid (e.g. somewhere that has experienced a natural disaster or even war). The next part of this scene shows a lake or a pond which presents the area as being peaceful which juxtaposes with the tilt upwards towards the helicopters carrying aid bags. Whilst this is happening the names of the actors and actresses in the film are appearing on the screen.In this scene, the only sound that can be heard is the helicopters which is diegetic sound as we can see the sound being made on screen.The editing in this scene is quite slow paced.

The next scene of the film pans into numerous men as well as debris.This shows that the men are at war and have been hit by a bomb of some sort therefore presenting the area as violent and disturbed and may indicate that the characters could end up the same way after returning from war. Sound is this scene is diegetic, roosters can be heard just as the camera pans. The scene then cuts back to a extreme long shot of the helicopters flying over the lake as incidental music can be heard in the background. It is instrumental music that seems quite sad which fits in with the event of war whilst the helicopters can still b

e heard over the music. It then returns back to panning and tilting to show the soldiers doing a variety of things, some are sleeping whilst some are caring for their injuries. The helicopters hover over the ground while the soldiers are being deployed, the helicopters then fly away. There are a variety of sounds in this scene such as the helicopters and a man shouting which creates an ensemble as well as a sense of chaos.During the start of this scene the editing is quite slow paced in order to match the p

eaceful music however, as the helicopters come into land the editing picks up in pace to show a build up of chaos.

The third scene is the first scene to include a conversation between characters. There are a range of different camera shots in this scene. Medium close ups are used to show the facial expressions of each character as well as introducing the audience to each character. As well as a medium shot to show the characters interacting with one another. The men are wearing typical outfits of soldiers, this shows their professionalism as well as their dedication to their job.Most of the sound in this scene is diegetic as the soldiers are talking to each other however in the background a walkie-talkie can be heard to signify the reality of their job as they are always on call. One man can be seen talking on the phone,his conversation cannot be heard but the most important piece of information is spoken out loud "We have movement" this signifies the start of chaos for the soldiers.The editing begins to pick up once again to show turmoil and frenzy in the camp. An ensemble of sounds begins to pick up as the men get into their positions.Further on into the third scene, a handheld camera shot is used this type of camera shot is used to relay a sense of reality as well as the point of view of a character. Chaos is built up further as non diegetic gun shots and bombs exploding can be heard. An eye line match is used to show what one of that characters is looking at. There is a close up of his face as he screams and shouts to warn one of his colleague of danger, the clip then cuts away to a long shot of what he is looking at just as this happens a bomb then explodes near his colleague.

Towards the end of the scene after the chaos has subsided there is a medium shot of a man ( the main character Jacob) walking through trees with a gun. Gunshots can still be heard in the background and the Jacob panting which shows he is tired after fighting as well as scared. He looks lost and unaware of his surroundings. A twig can be heard breaking and suddenly the camera dolly's towards Jacob, as the camera reaches a close up he

doubles over in pain, blood can be seen at his stab wound. The scene then abruptly changes setting, Jacob is now sat on a train and has woken from a nap. The audience are unaware if the previous scene is a dream that Jacob had or whether it is a memory of his. A long shot of the train carriage shows that the train is not well looked after,it is full litter on the floor which may juxtapose with the war camp in the previous scene as the camp was full of debris. The camera goes back to Jacob, he looks around the train to establish his surroundings until he looks up towards posters at the top of the train. Another eye line match is used to show the audience what he is looking at.

The posters he is looking at are linked to the words 'Hell' an 'Devil' which indicates Jacob is experiencing demonic dreams. Once the camera returns back to him he sighs,gathers his things and gets up to get off the train. He walks into the next carriage and spots a lady he asks her if they have passed 'Bergen Street' yet. The woman doesn't reply but looks at him intensely this continues to indicate that something is not right however,the shot returns back to him (shot-reverse shot).