Interview with a serial killer analysis

This is a extreme long/slight ariel and high angle shot of Rochester New York State. The mise en scene presents an urban city landscape which presents the location of the documentary and implies that the prison is populated and big. The scenic view shows little colour apart from some greenery of the trees, this is because the frame is mainly of brown/beige plain and unsightly buildings. There is non- diegetic sound of police sirens and the buzz of traffic in the populated city. The police sirens show the audience the crime and trouble in this area linking back to this documentary about a serial killer. There is diegetic music which has a slow tempo, low pitch and repetitive beat which fades out as dialogue is introduced. The editing is quick and snappy as it cuts from different shots showing the variety of locations in New York.



This is a medium long and eye level angle shot of the outside of the prison showing huge razor wire gates and large beige blocked buildings with cameras and a watchtower in the background. The mise en scene shows dull and repellent colours of the buildings which are beige/grey with dark grey windows. The bold blue and red signs on the front of the building stand out brightly which contrasts against the dull location. I think these signs stand out from the buildings to tell us clearly that this is a prison. It cuts to a extreme close up shot of the signs displaying the name of the correctional facility and additional information clearly showing the prison setting. There is narration overplayed on top of this shot talking about the location of the prison and the type of people that are in there. Furthermore, there is diegetic sound of heavy, slow and low pitch beats in the background matching with the dull and depressing mise en scene.

This is a medium and slight low angle shot of the prisoner walking through the door. I think the low angle is used to present the prisoner as superior and high ranking to maybe other prisoners due to his horrific crimes. The mise en scene looks very clinical and undecorated due to the purely simple white walls and doors. The prisoners uniform contrasts from the mise en scene as it is dark green. This dark green could connote sickness, jealousy, cowardice and depression which reflects the emotions and deep thoughts that the prisoners experience. There is a narration over the top of this shot introducing Arthur Shawcross a serial killer; this is said as he comes through the doors which characterises him as a powerful and dominant psychopath. Also, there is diegetic music which fades out to focus on the narration as it is introducing the prisoner and builds up volume when the narration is finished. The music has a low pitch and slow tempo which hums depressingly in the background, which is effective as it builds up the tension.

                                                       This is a close up shot of the prisoner from a side on angle of his face. The black background clearly highlights the focus point, which is the prisoner. The background harshly contrasts against his crisp white top and hair giving him a defined outline, making him stand out from the background. As the narrations cut off, the music build up rapidly as it has a fast tempo from what sounds like a guitar repeating a dull low pitch note. The editing is snappy consisting of repetitive quick cuts which matches the fast paced music. The lighting is cold toned and harsh showing every physical detail of his zoomed in face and every emotion captured.                                                                                                                                                      

This is a extreme close up and eye level angle shot of the prisoners face; I think this is effective because it captures his facial expressions which builds up the dramatic tension. There is diegetic music which is fast paced and has a sombre and repetitive low pitched beat. The music matches the dialogue from the interviewer and prisoner talking about the interpretation of evil and whether he is evil which is a dark topic. At the end of the shot there is a prolonged beat of music which rises in pitch building up creating tension, matched perfectly when the prisoner is asked whether he is evil. The cut transitions are sharp which matches with the cold artificial lighting and dreary setting.

I think Interview with a serial killer links in with my documentary because it is in a talking heads and direct cinema style. In addition, the mixture of mise en scene shots taken outside the prison contrasting with the interview shots is really effective which is why I am going to use this in my documentary. The snappy and sharp editing of the cuts prolonging and shortening shots I want to use in mine as it makes it more interesting and appealing to watch for my audience. This documentary uses a mixture and non-diegetic and diegetic sound; diegetic music is played in the background while dialogue and narration is overlayed on top which is what I am planning to do in mine.