2. Analysis.
‘The Thing…Lara Croft’ is a mixed
documentary that covers the video game Lara
Croft which, when this was broadcasted, was
about to be made into a movie to be shown on
BBC 2, starring Angelina Jolie.
3. This allows for a relevant
background, creating a
relevant mise-en-scene.
Green screen is used behind
the interviewees.
Mise-en-scene
Low key lighting implies a dark nature
to the interviews.
Projector shone on interviewee’s face,
creates an eerie feel. Focus on game
behind them.
The mise-en-scene is realist,
clothes that would be
expected etc.
4. Narrative
Single stranded because the
documentary had one topic, one
exposition and so is single
stranded.
Closed, the documentary ends in a
decisive manner, there’s no loose
ends.
It’s a male narrator.
5. Themes
Female representation in video
games/in the media
Video games
The stereotype surrounding ‘girl
gamers’
How the game is advertised
The impact of the media on gender
stereotypes
Pop culture – in reference to games.
6. Editing
Cross cuts are used commonly
throughout the documentary as it
shows the game and then will cut
back to the interview.
Fast paced gives the impression of
a video game
Cut is the most commonly used
editing technique
No questions were asked in
interviews, only answers were
heard
Fast pace is most noticeable in
the POV Café shot, when the
game is being played
7. Camera work
Conventional interview structure –
medium close ups, eyes ¾ way up
the screen with the rule
of thirds.
P.O.V shot in cyber café, with
tracking of camera
Establishing long shots used to
establish context
Handheld
camera is used
at times to
create a sense of
being inside the
game
Camera is most
often static – on
a tripod
Some close ups are used
8. Sound
Non-diegetic soundtrack of fast
paced electro music throughout
documentary.
Diegetic soundtrack of
interview speaking.
Non-diegetic soundtrack of
Madonna’s music when there’s a
diegetic mention of her.
The use of sound ensures that the
documentary stays audibly
entertaining and keeps the
watchers attention.
9. Archive material
Interview with Angelina Jolie
which was provided by the film
distributer, most likely as an
advertisement for the movie
Interview inside the computer
Lara Croft game footage
Magazine covers that’re
relevant, as they have
shots of Angelina
Jolie/Lara Croft on the
front
Nike advert, made
relevant by
Angelina Jolie.
Movie footage