The analysis of the sequence in the movie 'Drive' highlights the importance of cinematography in creating a neo-noir crime thriller. The use of camera angles, lighting, and mise-en-scene creates a tightly composed sequence that effectively develops the plot and psychological aspects of the characters.
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1 Sequence’s Shot Analysis: The Context of the Movie “Drive” For a neo-noir crime thriller film like “Drive,” the infusion of an effective script and cinematography is a requirement of paramount importance. The shots in the concerned sequence of five scenes refer to the immaculate utilization of cinematography both from the theoretical and practical perspectives. In respect of the use of camera in the scenes under analysis, it must be taken into account that the incorporation of the quadrants for developing a tightly composed sequence has been masterly done, and this has rendered the movie with dauntless efficacy (Marine, 2015). In the first shot the use of medium close up and a straight on angle is observable with the inclusion of soft lighting from the right hand side, which, despite being artificial, fits naturally to the scene, enhancing the quality of the deep focus continuing momentarily. Moreover, quite interestingly, in a shot-reverse shot sequence, the first shot deserves special mention due to its mise-en-scene in which the body language of the actor embodies the reality of the situation. Furthermore, in the second shot, which should also be considered as an eye level-angled medium close up shot; the deep focus continues for about four seconds and in terms of the mise-en-scene the smile of the protagonist amplifies the objective of the shot, paving the way for the audience to delve into the psychological aspects of an individual who has committed a crime. Also, in the second shot too, the use of artificial soft lighting synchronises perfectly with the mood of the scene. In the third shot an exuberant mixture of medium long shot and low angle can be witnessed. The use of soft, diffused light from the front and the deep focus eventually embodies a sort of premonition which is accompanied by a perfect mise-en-scene constituted of a casual attitude of the protagonist. A smile on the protagonist’s face and his casual gestures is effectively highlighted by the lighting used. Besides, in the fourth shot a medium
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2 close up with an eye level angle has made the mise-en-scene more effective. The smile on the face of the woman affirms the persistence in her love for the other man, and this emotion of the woman is laminated by the perfect use of the soft fill light from the left side. Moreover, in the fifth shot, which should be considered as an amalgamation of medium long shot and low angle, the soft lighting (accompanied by a deep focus) has increased the degree of quality of the mise-en-scene which depicts the stubbornness of the protagonist who is determined to commit a crime essential to free his love from the shackles of agonies. His casual look and his defiance, all are at sync with the lighting and the use of camera. This has again enhanced the coherence of the sequence in a logical and rational manner. And it is due to such alignment between the plot, the scene, and the shot that the movie has achieved the feats that have helped the director to make a class of his own in the sphere of American cinema. (511 words)
3 References Marine, J. (2015).How the Cinematography of 'Drive' Utilized Quadrants for 'Tightly Composed & Weirdly Unpredictable' Frames. Retrieved August 12, 2017, from http://nofilmschool.com/2015/01/nicolas-winding-refn-quadrants-cinematography- drive-tony-zhou