Film Viewing Practice Essay "Agent Carter"

       Elements such as camera shots/angles, mise-en-scene, editing techniques, and sounds are used throughout the film to create the wanted effects on the audience. These elements help establish the setting and the common themes used throughout the movie in order to advance the plot.
       The clip begins with a sad melody playing in the background of the beginning credits as well as a voice-over of two characters discussing a what can be assumed is a 'crash landing.' This sets a very depressing mood for the beginning of the film, as both the discussion and the non-diegetic sound create a sense of tragedy and possible defeat. The film then cuts to an eye level shot of one of the characters, by using this angle the audience is able to see that there is some obvious turbulence you can also see the distress on Captain America's face. Then it cuts to an eye level shot of agent Carter, this angle allows the audience to see the emotions on her face, she seems not only visibly upset but also defeated, this lets us infer that she has accepted the possible outcome of the situation. By using these kinds of shots the film makers lead the viewer to emphasize with the character's situation. This 'flashback' scene also includes some action shots of the aircraft going down as well as a close up of Agent Carter's face which depicts her crying after realizing that the plane crashed and that Captain America most likely died on impact. By using this angle in this instance the audience is able to create an emotional connection to the main character due to the nature of the scene, this allowed to viewer to to not only be sympathetic towards her but also create likability towards Agent Carter. The camera then cuts to a long shot, the distance puts into perspective the size of the room compared to how much space she takes up, she off the side of the room with her face in her hands. The setting she's in seems to overwhelm her stature, by using this angle the film makers create a lonely and depressing atmosphere which the audience is able to detect.
       After this scene, the clip cuts to an establishing shot of New York City with a caption at the bottom which reveals the current story will take place one year late. This reveals that the previous scene was a flashback used to give the audience background for the new story. The next scene uses the sound of a loud alarm blaring to give the audience a sense of urgency, by doing so the film makers gives the following scene importance. This importance is justified when we see the characters in the film  rush to look organized and get ready to listen to any instructions that follow. The background music used during the phone call also created a sense of urgency. All these elements came together to develop the plot and reveal to the audience what one of the main issues the main character will be dealing with throughout the story, which is 'The Zodiac'. The exchange that follows between the main character, Agent Carter, and the Chief Commander at her job reveals another issue she will be facing which is sexism in the workplace. By having the Chief stand over her initially and put his hand on her shoulder condescendingly the film makers establish the power and authority he holds over Agent Carter, by doing this and making her seem smaller physically the scene symbolizes the little respect and position she seems to hold socially among her coworkers. In the following scene the film makers use low key lighting to create a sense of mystery and perhaps unpredictability. This mood is supported when the phone in the Chief's office suddenly starts blaring, this creates a sense of urgency and  confusion, it makes the audience question who is calling and what is about to take place next. The red flashing light being reflected onto Agent Carter's face symbolizes adventure and possible danger, this keeps the viewer at the edge of their seat. The close up shot of Carter's face that follows allows us to see the determination on her face, we can see that she is committed to proving her boss and coworkers wrong as well as showing them what she is truly capable of. The close up of the paper gives the audience significant information which is the location of 'the Zodiac'.
       In the following scene of Agent Carter walking up an isolated and dark parking lot the audience is really able to take in the costume and setting of the era trying to be recreated, the fashion is very obviously from the 50's and/or 60's and this can be inferred not only by the wardrobe both Carter and the men are wearing but also by the styles of cars on that street as well as the diegetic music playing on the radio in the background. The dim lighting used in this scene suggest the suspicious nature of the events that might've been taking place at this location. The next action shots portray the force and extent of the fight, the film makers use this to show the audience Carter's true capabilities. The bird's eye shot of the man crashing through the window helped establish the force of Carter's kick and showed her true strength. The over the shoulder and follow shots that follow allows the viewer to see what the man sees, which is nothing, at this point it seems like Carter has vanished. These shots coupled with the non diegetic chilling music creates suspense and engages the audience by making them wonder where she could've gone and what might happen next. Of course,those questions are answered when Agent Carter suddenly appears behind the man and aims a gun at him.