And Then There Were None analysis

1. Unit 22: Single Camera Drama
And Then There Were None
Craig Vivieros

2. Format & Genre
• Series
– A type of dramathat has a continuing plot that unfolds a
sequential episode-by-episode fashion
• Crime
– A type of drama that deals with criminalities, their
detection, criminals and their motives

3. Narrative Structure
• Linear
– Appropriate because a crime drama spoiled in the first few minutes is not
worth watching, as the mystery is ruined
• Flashbacks
– Can add to the mystery of the drama e.g. why is the flashback relevant? The
audience would question why the flashback was taking place
• Realist
– The story could potentially have taken place – no farfetched special effects
used
• Open Ending
– Having only seen episode one, the ending was open so as not to spoil the rest
of the drama

4. Story Arc
Claythorne employed by the
Owens
Characters meet before the
boat on the island
The characters have dinner together and tension
rises between the characters
The tape plays. Everyone panics and stops the
tape
Characters show their innocence (Lombard
admits to crimes). Marston dies
Detective finds out that Marston was murdered.
Others are fearful but plan to leave the island

5. Scene Analysis
The lighting in the dinner scene is low key, making a tense atmosphere as the guests
are seated.
Most of the shots in this scene are medium shots, however the start of the scene
shows a long shot of the guests around the table, which could be seen as an
establishing shot.
The sound in this scene is mostly diegetic, but after paying particular attention to
the scene a low, ominous sound can be heard behind the plates and dialogue
The editing includes shot reverse shot, which is appropriate as the scene is mostly
dialogue. However not much editing is included and long takes make up most of the
scene. This creates a tense atmosphere, which also foreshadows an argument later.
The scripting is not unusual to a typical dinner table scene, as the guests all talk to
each other and hold a decent conversation between them. This could give a “calm
before the storm” feeling, and that everything is going too well. This is supported
well with the ominous sound in the background.

6. Compare and Contrast
In comparison to CyberBully (2015):
The same kind of lighting is used to create a similar atmosphere. The lighting in both
scenes are low key and help to create tension in the scenes.
The sound in “And Then There Were None” is similar to CyberBully, in that it is
mostly diegetic. However “And Then There Were None” uses the non - diegetic
tone that Cyberbully does not, which could create a tense environment. However
the silence in Cyberbully does prove useful when creating a tense environment.
The editing in Cyberbully is limited to give the effect that Casey is trapped in the
room and this same effect is used in And Then There Were None (to show that
they are trapped in the house)