Thursday 12 February 2015

Master and Commander

This is a historical 19th century pirate action and adventure movie. The conventions are combat and conflict and suspense and jeopardy and some parts are speed and motion. The tension is created when you see a bleak outline of the enemy ship, Sudden burst of action, Atmospheric , Use of warfare with cannons and the thick fog around the ship. Gets the adrenaline rushing for the audience. 
Captain makes it clear he is boss, well respected, Suspense, View of ship, Rag doll body affect and death, panic. Good organisation and preparation for battle. Constant updates for the captain and persistent instructions towards the crew. There antagonist is the enemy French ship firing cannons at them. The Captain is a heroic protagonist the way he owns and commands the ship with a certain courage and coolness. Saves crew when cannons of enemy ship is fired, by telling everyone heads down! Captain remains calm and cool even when there is destruction happening around him. Sudden silent fire of cannons. Drums rolling create climax and atmosphere. Heavy fog reduces vision. View of the ship being shattered by enemy fire. Crew listens to the captain easily. Crew desperation to fire back at the enemy but they can’t this creates suspense and jeopardy.   Weak officer of the watch; Lots of combat and conflict going on this is typical for an action and adventure. View of much bigger enemy ship creates and sense of fear. Pacing around the ship and orders echoed around the ship. Occasional silence to create atmosphere; Patient waiting crew ready for orders adds to the atmosphere. Getting weapons ready for combat.
When we hear the drum roll there is a dietetic or ambient sound. The drum roll is the warning sign, pace quickens, war cry.