For task one, the brief asked us to analyse a clip from the film 'Training Day' which was released in 2001. I went into detail about the use of camerawork, sound, mise en scene and editing in the segment we watched. My essay is linked below.

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Millie West
Task 1
Training Day (2001) is a crime film that centres around Jake Hoyt (Ethan Hawke), a young
male police officer training to become part of the LAPD narcotics department. He is sent on
his first ‘training day’ as a member of a narcotics unit, led by Alonzo Harris (Denzel
Washington). The audience are taken on an eye-opening journey over a 24-hour period of
what seems to be Alonzo’s road to liberation from the Russian mob.
The most important scene in the film, as confirmed by director Antoine Fuqua, is where
Alonzo, Jake and the rest of the ‘crew’ storm Roger’s (Scott Glenn) house in order to rob him
of four million dollars, so that Alonzo can pay off the Russian mob for past transgressions. In
the director’s commentary, Fuqua explains to the audience that this is the point in which
Jake realises that Alonzo and his crew are using him to commit a crime.
In this scene, the technical elements (camerawork, sound, editing and mise-en-scene) have
been used effectively by the director for specific purposes, including positioning the audience
in relation to a character, illustrating the intelligence of specific characters and highlighting
the true motives of individuals in the scene.
Camerawork:
We began to look at the camerawork used in the short clip. I noticed that there were a wide
range of shot types used. The clip begins with the use of a tracking both Jake and the
corrupt cops known as the Alonzo’s gang. The reason that the track is used is to capture the
fast pace actions that are occurring. The producers decided to use eye level mid shots to
give the illusion that the audience are invisibly spectating the events live in conjunction to
when they occur. The eye level shot almost acts as one that takes a character's point of
view. It makes the audience feel as though they are invisible viewer watching live action. The
camera is positioned next to the vulnerable characters in the
film, for example, Jake and Roger. This is done to make the
audience feel like they are in their situation. In the middle of the
event and they are being targeted. It creates a sense of
verisimilitude and enables the audience to be one that is active,
making them feel part of the storyline. In addition, it makes the
audience seem as if they are supporting those who are
vulnerable, whereas we are never placed next to Alonzo
because the producer wanted us to feel empathy for those who
had lower status and were in situations that they were clearly
uncomfortable in.
Antoine Fuqua chose not to use many still shots, or shots that
required tripods, as he wanted the camera to shake slightly,
which would make the audience feel as though they were
moving around with the characters. This would also make the
viewers feel on edge about the upcoming events. However,
there were moments when a Steadicam would have been used
to follow the characters’ movements. Low angles are used
whenever the camera focuses on guns, and this is to show that
the guns have power and dominance over the rest of the

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situation. The use of camerawork that meant that we were able to see two perspectives of
the events. The majority of the camera work focused on the outside events, yet we were also
shown these events occurring from inside the house. Allowing the audience to see this
perspective almost made us feel like we were the ones who were about to be attacked. Low
angles were also used when Roger was surrounded by Alonzo’s gang and their guns, and
this enabled us to see Roger’s perspective. It also allowed us to understand how Jake felt
uncomfortable in this situation and show the others who were
surrounding Roger. Finally, they are also used to make it seem
as if we are in Roger’s position. As shown low angles were
huge feature in the film. They were also used to show that Jake
was a moral policeman, and, in contrast, to show the Alonzo is
in control - he has the power and authority over the others.
High angles we used to show that Roger has no power and is
also a bad guy. Even though he is a criminal, the positioning of
the cameras illustrates to the audience that he too is a victim of
Alonzo’s corruption. This is clear when he drops his guns,
hidden in the newspaper he is reading. A high angle is also
used when showing Alonso's character. The use of this type of
camerawork is to foreshadow that something bad is about to
happen. We know this because most of the time, high angles
foreshadow or enforce negativity. Negativity was also implied
through the use of high angles after Roger had been shot, and
this emphasised the likelihood of him dying. The final use of high
angles was included when Alonzo was held at gunpoint. This
was done to show that he had been challenged and was
uncomfortable in this situation. Moreover, this was one of the
only times that Alonzo was shown to be weak, yet at the same
time Jake felt uncomfortable in a power of position, which was
shown through the use of a low angled shot. This is the first
instance in which Alonzo is shown in a vulnerable situation. We
see that he is clearly not used to being in such a position. That
is, in a position of vulnerability and having a lack of control. He
panics and yet, is still calm enough to try and diffuse the
situation by seducing Jake.
The rule of thirds is also used constantly throughout the film to
show the use of professional camerawork. It also has the ability
to emphasise how camerawork plays an important role in
adding feeling and emotion to a production. At one point in the
production a crane was used to produce effective camerawork.
This was done to show the opening of the crate of money,
hidden in Roger’s kitchen. The use of the crane also enabled
us to see how deep down someone had buried the chest and
this emphasised its importance. At one point, a tilt down was
used to focus on the container that was about to be opened.
Following this there was the incorporation of a tilt to make it
seem as though the audience were the ones opening the chest

3. Units 25 & 26
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of money, similar to a point of view shot. This camerawork technique is
an effective way in making us an active audience, rather than a passive
audience. Mid shots were used to show upper body movement, which
enabled us to see both a character’s emotions and actions. For
example, after the chest of money was opened the use of the mid shot
enabled us to see did Jake was nervous. There was also the use of an
over the shoulder shot to give us Alonzo’s perspective of the situation.
Considering he was one of the main characters
and the ringleader of the LAPD narcotics team it
was crucial but the audience was able to
understand his point of view. Extreme close-ups
were used for tense moments to show facial
expressions and a character emotion. A prime
example of when this is used is when showing
the tense moments between Alonzo and Roger.
In addition, the use of extreme close ups are used as a form of juxtaposition to show how
Jake is unhappy and confused about the situation that he is in, whilst Alonzo is happy and
proud to be finally completing a mission that we learn, he has been planning for a while.
More eye level shots are used when Alonzo and Jake sit down in Roger’s house. This is
because there must be a balance of a range of shots used, and in this moment the eye level
shot seems the most natural. Eye level shots are also a good way to ensure that the
audience doesn't get confused. The majority of the film uses mid-long shots to show context
and people. For example, when the narcotics team are trying to conjure up a plan to make it
seem as though they weren't the ones to shoot Roger. Wide
shots are also used to have a similar effect as mid-long
shots - to show people, actions, props, and context. A key
example of this is when Alonzo’s gang bombard into Roger’s
house. We are able to see both the corrupt policemen with
their guns as well as Roger who is both the victim and
perpetrator, sitting in his chair reading a newspaper. Pans
were also used to show context of the situation.
The use of close ups were used
to show different characters’
emotions. An example of when
this was used is when 3
members of Alonzo’s gang were
conversing about taking
$250,000 each, from the $4m
worth of evidence. To ensure
that the audience could understand how the characters felt about the situation, this type of
shot was used. We were able to see that Jake was uncomfortable and confused as to
whether this was a test of ethics. A close-up was also used to focus on the lock of the chest
of money, this was to emphasise the security of the secret - the huge sum of money.

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Mise en Scene:
One of the most prominent parts of mise en scene
that can be spoken about, is the props used in the
making of ‘Training Day’. Guns, knives, chainsaws
and other violent items are used and in shot at all
times in segment that we analysed. This was done
to show that those holding the items had authority, power and
status. Jake was giving the biggest gun to test his loyalty to both
Alonzo and the LAPD. It can be noted that Alonzo referred to his
shotgun as “the b****” - which has negative connotations. A gun
was also hidden in Roger’s newspaper. This could be because he
aware of an event like this occurring or he was smart enough to
know that was going to happen, and so, due to this expectation
he was prepared. The next prop which in my opinion has the
second highest importance, is the chest of money. It can be seen
that the briefcase of money was hidden in the kitchen. Most
would say that this is the best part of the house. This means that
no one if any would expect Criminal Evidence to be in there,
considering people only associate good things with such a room.
This is a good use of juxtaposition. The walkie talkies used in
the film create realism and enable the police officers to
communicate with each other. Towards the end of the scene,
we see how one walkie talkie enables the master plan to come
together - when Paul uses it to report this shooting, the
shooting of both Rodger and one of the members from
Alonzo’s gang. Bullet-proof vests were also used to enhance
realism in the movie. They are worn as a form of protection for
the police officers, and as we come to realise, they regularly
get themselves into dangerous situations. Alonzo however,
fails to wear one because he considers himself to be
“untouchable”. He gets the other members of the narcotics
team to do the work for him, so he doesn’t have to. Finally, the
cigarettes that are shown on the floor whilst Jake is digging for the money show that time
has passed. The camera shows the audience, Alonzo putting out his 8th cigarette, this
implies that he is stressed and impatient about finding the hidden money. The money is also
a prime prop for this scene - $4m. Because it’s dirty money, illegal and immoral, it gets
chucked around and receives no respect.
Much can be said about a person's character through the use of
what they wear and the colour of it. Most of the colours worn by the
characters are dark, and this can be symbolic of danger and
mystery. It is also used to foreshadow death, such as Alonzo’s
which is soon to follow. One member of the team - Mark, wears a
red shirt which also foreshadows that danger is looming both within
the group and in the upcoming events. Smiley has slick hair which
may suggest that he is a womaniser. Roger wears grey clothes
which is a sign of wisdom, and we quickly learn that he is a clever
criminal who pre thinks both his work and his lifestyle. Jake’s shoes

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are dirty, which implies that he was going to be the one to do the dirty work and dig for the
chest of money. He looks scruffy and due to this, it is enforced that he has lower status than
the other members of the group. Alonzo spends the majority of his time sitting, standing,
talking or watching others do work for him. He wears nice clothes because he does not
intend on doing any of the work he orders other people to do, himself. His clean shaven face
demands respect, and it’s what he gets. He wears an
oversized coat to represent the fact that he thinks he’s
big, because that is what he wants to be. Finally, the
cross that he wears around his neck and the earrings
shown to be on him are not a form of religious
symbolism, it’s however quite the opposite, they are
hypocritically worn for show. He wishes to illustrate his
worth. One of the last of the members of the narcotics
team has messy hair and wears a Hawaiian shirt,
dissimilar to the others. These aspects of his clothing
show that he is a rebellious character, yet at the same
time, the earthy tones portray that he could be
genuine.
There is the use of an expensive bottle of alcohol, one that
costs approximately $300 a glass. This is one of the only
things that has any worth in the house and although this is the
case, it shows that he has money, because one would not be
able to afford it if they didn’t. The bottle of alcohol also
symbolises what is right and what is wrong, for example
because legally he is an on duty police officer, he shouldn’t be
drinking and so does, to juxtapose his position in society. As
mentioned, there is no other part of the house that implies that
he has money. The house that Roger lives in, is in the middle
of a forest which is situated in the middle of nowhere, which
already has the audience’s suspicions arousing, and believing
something dodgy is going to happen. The sub-urban area is
quiet, empty and desolate, possibly to ensure that Roger has
no bothers and his residency can be kept a secret. When we first see the house we can tell
that it is old. It is a small, one person shed like house, and we
can tell this through the use of the stairs that we can see. The
carpets clearly haven’t been changed in years and are from
around the 60s or 70s. There is a similar situation with the
windows and furniture such as the oven and stereo, are old
and dirty and have clearly had no attention or renovation
recently if at all. Because the place is so run down, it shows us
that he hasn’t made any effort to change it and tells us that doesn't want any attention, so
leaves it the way it is. It also suggests that he may have been there for a long time.

6. Units 25 & 26
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Millie West
When we are first introduced to Roger, we see that he is
reading a newspaper. This emphasises that he is clever
because he instead of watching TV, which would cause bills,
and draw attention to himself, he reads. As mentioned before,
he is clever about the way he lives his day to day life.
Finally, in terms of mise en scene, the lighting differs thought
the period of time we are in the house. The use of light, it is to
portray a bright and jokey atmosphere, for example prior to
Alonzo shooting Roger, Jake is asked to do so, the light focus’
on him because he doesn't believe that he is genuinely being
asked to do so - creating a ludicrous yet slightly on edge
feeling for both the characters and the audience. Light is also
portrayed in the kitchen to enlighten us about the situation -
the main segment of the scene that is occurring. In contrast,
darkness is however used to create a serious feel. The blinds
are lowered to further ensure that there nobody is bringing
attention to the situation. The use of darkness foreshadows
negativity and pessimistic events. It can also have been seen
by some to show that Alonzo is a shady character.
Sound:
Many types of sound are used in the production. Low intense humming sounds are almost
constantly used throughout the scene. The non-diegetic, asynchronous sound was edited in
and can only be heard outside of the texts own world, it was incorporated to add feeling and
atmosphere to the scene at tense moments. The diegetic bleep of Alonzo’s phone is almost
startling as the low hum makes the atmosphere feel tense. Silence is used before any loud
sounds to shock the audience or allow them to focus on dialogue, spoken by the characters.
For example, before Roger’s door is kicked in and when Alonzo first enters the house and
speaks to Roger.
The whole scene is about breaking and demolishing both objects, Roger’s house and
people, and this anarchy reflects the police officers lives - ones of instability. Following the
loud sounds, low yet tense music is incorporated to allow the audience to feel the after effect
of the events that occurred. There is a significant amount of
shouting when characters are nervous or on edge, for example
when Alonzo realises that he has accidently shot one of his own
men, the volume of his voice increases as he demands to be
heard. He knows that if he is not listened to, then they are in
danger of being caught. In contrast, at the beginning of the
scene, both Alonzo and Roger use calm and quiet voice to
converse. This is because at this point Roger believes that him
and Alonzo are friends and so they talk in a way that suits that
relationship. Quiet voices enforce serious conversations and so
both the dialogue and music create an overarching serious
atmosphere. High pitch eerie sounds were used to create
tension. For example, when Alonzo is held at gunpoint, the

7. Units 25 & 26
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audience are curious as to whether Jake would actually do it and so the music was used to
enforce extra pressure.
Police sirens can be heard as soon as Alonzo says the line “This place will be run with blue
suits”. The sound is both non diegetic and asynchronous and helps to create a sense of
realism. In contrast, synchronous sound was used when Jake broke the lock on the chest of
money. The profanity we hear, which is both diegetic and synchronous shows the characters
who use its, dislike and hatred, which aids the tension in the scene. Informal, aggressive
language is used by all but two characters in the film (Jake and Roger), this slang may
represent the tension, aggression and nerves that they may
feel. In contrast, the character who should be nervous, is not.
Roger constantly keeps his cool and is extremely calm about
the entire situation, even when he is about to be shot. Along
with the diegetic and synchronous sound described, low,
non-diegetic, asynchronous sound is used to enable the
situation to stay calm and allow the audience to be able to
focus on the dialogue being spoken.
As Jake is digging for the money there is low beating sound that can
be likened to a heart. This sound may be a representation of how
nervous Alonzo is, and as the speed drops to a stop, we see a change
in the way that he reacts as the chest is found. We understand that he
has calmed down. When Alonzo is held at gunpoint, we hear him use
seductive techniques to try and win Jake over and get him on his side,
yet we are still able to hear his nerves coming through his voice. We
learn that Alonzo is the ‘big dog’. He can be both manipulative and
authoritative. When he is frustrated we barks orders and instructs
members of his group to do as he wishes. He uses the phrase “Let me
quarterback this thing” when trying arrange what he wants to happen.
The clever choice of words imply that he is the strategic leader who
instructs people to as he pleases (like a captain of a team) - just like
quarterback in a game of American football.
The tense sounds included in the scene are perfect for the genre of an action thriller, and it
keeps the audience at the edge of their seat. The use of the lack of dialogue and only
audible non diegetic sound, allows it to be emphasised and loud. The incidental music along
with no dialogue allows the audience to focus on the fact that they know an event is about to
occur, and so the producers allow the film to capture the audience's attention. Loud noises
such as those like the chainsaw not only show that the LAPD boys
mean business, but they also intend to shock all of the characters,
audience and Roger - as mentioned earlier. High pitch non diegetic
and asynchronous music follows after Alonzo is insulted, and this
allows the audience to physically hear the tension that is created.
High screeches are also incorporated during the post production
stages to emphasise a feeling of danger and trouble. This is used
after one of Alonzo’s gang are shot - unintentionally.

8. Units 25 & 26
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Millie West
Throughout the scene and the whole film in fact, Jake uses a jokey
and confused tone of voice because he believes that this is all a
test, for him to be accepted into the LAPD narcotics department,
and so he ‘plays along’ with it and uses an informal tone of voice.
Two examples of when this diegetic and synchronous sound is
used is when Alonzo asks him to shoot Roger and when he is
asked to take a quarter of a million pounds from the £4 million
pounds of evidence stashed in the kitchen. As spoken about, there are a range of sound
techniques used in both this scene and the film as a whole.
Editing:
Like the other segments analysed, a range of editing techniques
were used in the clip of Training Day that we watched. Quick cuts
were used when tension increased. For example, the speed of the
cuts change from slow to fast when Tim is shot, and panic kicks in
as they all realise that time was running out to get out of the
situation they were in without a trace of them being there, or seem
like they did anything wrong. This may also be a representation of
how the characters felt and how quickly their thoughts were
changing. In contrast, the cuts slow down after Roger is shot. The
camera focus’ on all three of Alonzo, Jake and Roger, and this
may have been done to show the almost relief coming from Alonzo
that Roger is going to die. The atmosphere becomes almost
relaxed. This also may have been done to show that Roger is
dying. As his body shuts down, the cuts slow to represent this.
Slow cuts are also used in tense scenes to match the speed, rate
and feel of the music incorporated. Slow cuts are also used to
match a characters thought process’. For example, when Jake is
confused, the speed slows down to enforce the fact that he is not
comfortable or confident with the situation. They are also used as
a form of transition, for example when a character’s confusion
turns into anger.
After Alonzo has made any major decisions regarding the team’s current situation, again the
speed of the cuts slow down, almost as a way to distress and calm the atmosphere. As
characters actions slow down, so do the cuts as there is a need for the sound, movement
and cuts to complement each other. For example, when Roger lets his guns go, as shown
above the shot pace slows down further due to the way in which he completes these actions
and through the he is then obviously less of a threat.
Loud noises also influence the speed of the
cuts that are edited into the scene. For
example, when a loud noise occurs, such as
the breaking in of Rogers door, by Jeff at the
start of the scene, quick cuts are used. This
scene also uses a combination of shots, such
as mid shots mid-long shots and long shots, to establish the quick pace and urgency of the
scene. When Jake presents the gun to Alonzo's head after he has been threatened, fast

9. Units 25 & 26
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Millie West
paced cuts are included again to match the speed that the character’s actions occur. When
there is a slight consideration of doing something immoral, we can see that the pace of the
shots speeds up because the characters begin to get nervous, as mentioned the speed of
the shots change to enable us to understand how the characters feel. The use of the
increased speed of shots and the ability to tell that the characters are nervous, intensifies the
situation and puts the audience on edge. As mentioned, the use of fast movements impacts
the speed of the cuts, for example, when Jake pulls the gun on Alonzo because he is
distressed and annoyed, the shot pace picks up once more, to match the speed of the
actions. These fast cuts are used from the start of the scene to enhance the action and
movement of the characters and reflect the sound, yet the use of silence enables the
producers and the editors to choose the pace at which they want to
cut the shots.
Aside from the pace of cuts in which the shots are edited, other
editorial techniques, such as cross cutting, are used to enable the
audience to emphasise the characters’ reactions to what is
happening around them. Similar to parallel editing, cross cutting shows two locations in real
time. For example, we are able to see the opening of the chest of
money in the kitchen and, at the same time, the use of the technique
allows the audience to see Roger’s point of view from the front room
- reacting to his floor being demolished. This is used because at this
point in time, all characters have an important part to play.
Match on actions are an important editing technique. This was used
to show both Alonzo’s gang going through the door, from an outside
perspective as well as the cops coming through the door from an
insider's perspective. The technique allowed the audience to see
the action from Rogers point of view, and the use of showing the
insider’s perspective, made it seem like as the audience, we were
about to be targeted. Cutaways were incorporated to show that
Alonzo’s original mission had not gone as planned. It enabled us to
see the characters’ emotions, one at a time, so the audience could
truly understand how they felt. We were able to see that Jake was
nervous and confused, and the more he learnt, the less he liked
what he was seeing. We were able to see Roger’s face - he was
frustrated that Alonzo’s gang had broken into and demolished his
house, yet at the same time, he was very relaxed. Alonzo’s face
said that he was anxious, yet determined to find the
stash of money. An ellipsis was used to show that time
had passed - approximately an hour, as he dropped his
8th cigarrete but on the floor. Again this cutaway
enabled the audience to see Alonzo’s emotions, ones
where he was impatient and tense. The whole scene
was shot in real time as it showed live action events,
which made the scene more exciting and interesting for the audience.

10. Units 25 & 26
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Millie West
The use of shot reverse shots were used when Roger
had been shot by Alonzo. This was to show a contrast
between Alonzo, who was happy that he had killed his
’friend’, and Jake who was astonished and confused
about the fact that he had just witnessed the shooting.
Alonzo is always one of the people involved in the use of
a shot reverse shot, whether that be during conversation or action - he is always the main
feature. Shot reverse shots are used to emphasise a character’s feelings, emotions or
reactions. It allows the audience to witness how the characters interact with one another,
depending on the situation.
Finally, the 180° rule is never broken. Watching the segment,
either intentionally or unintentionally, Alonzo always tends to
be on the right side of us (with or without his crew) and so
we always know where he is. On the left side of us seems to
be the ‘good guys’ like Jake and Roger - who in this scene
can be shown as the victim, not the perpetrator - unlike
Alonzo. The use of having the camera centred in the middle
of the situation, almost makes it seem like the audience are
surrounded. This technique is also a way of making sure that the audience feels safe in the
given environment, as they know exactly where each character is positioned.
Like any media production theories can be applied. In terms of “Training Day” Stuart Hall's
“Encoding and Decoding” theory can be applied. This theory regards embedding a or
multiple messages into a media text. In training day, the message embedded into the film, is
it the LAPD is corrupt. Antoine Fuqua tried to enforce the idea that things happen in the
police force that we as the public don't know about, and as an audience and civilians in
society do not understand. The message in this film was effective because it was well
received and easily understood. There are three ways that audiences can take a message
from a media text; these three types include preferred, negotiated, and oppositional.
‘Preferred’ regards an audience who not only understand the message embedded into a
media production but also firmly agrees with it. ‘Negotiated’ refers to an audience who are on
the fence about a message embedded into a media text. Finally, ‘oppositional’ audiences
are those who completely disagree with a message embedded into a text. Each individual
can be any of the three types of audience member. A person's choice of how they choose to
receive the message is dependent upon their culture, class, life experiences, upbringing and
many other factors. Personally, I feel as though I am a negotiated member of the audience.
I believe this because, I do agree that there is corruption occurring in some of the American
police forces, yet I also believe that the extent that the corruption is portrayed in the film is
exaggerated. From watching television and reading the news, my view of America could
have been shaped through such texts. But this could create a biased view of American
lifestyle and culture.
The second theory that can be applied to Training day is Blumler and Katz’s ‘Uses and
Gratifications’ theory. This theory suggests that media is used to satisfy the needs of the
audience. As previously spoken about in other tasks, there are four main needs to satisfy
and each media production covers at least one. The four categories are diversion, personal
relationships, personal identity and surveillance. In my opinion ‘Training Day’ covers three

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out of four of these aspects. The first is diversion; the film is a form of entertainment to
distract people from the reality of society. The second aspect it covers is the public's need
for surveillance. This is because the film captures and understand police life in America, it is
portrayed to the audience throughout the film. Finally, but less so, the film also covers a
small part of personal identity. Personal identity is incorporated in the film because the
director wants us to feel as though we are Jake. This means that's some people may be able
to empathize and agree with his decisions, whereas others may not. In turn, this can help to
establish one's identity. Personally, I believe that the surveillance aspect is the most
important because, I am not familiar with American culture and lifestyle and so cannot relate
to these situations shown in the movie. This only became the most important aspect after
diversion. My original reason for watching Training Day was for the diversion, as it would be
a form of escapism by watching this genre. Whilst watching the film, the use of the text
changed from diversion to one of surveillance.