This scene from the film Training Day shows Jake Hoyt's first day training under Alonzo Harris. The camerawork uses a variety of shots like tracking shots, eye-level shots, and low/high angles to position the audience's perspective and show power dynamics between characters. Editing employs quick cuts during tense moments and slow cuts when characters are thinking. Mise-en-scene highlights props like guns, bulletproof vests, and money that demonstrate authority and status. Cinematography, editing, and production design are used to generate tension and reveal characters' true motives and vulnerabilities during a risky house raid.

1. Task 1
Training Day (2001) is a crime filmthat is focused around Jake Hoyt who is played by Ethan
Hawke. He is a young male police officer on his first training to become part of the LAPD
narcotics department. He is sent to go on his first ‘training day’ as a member of the narcotics
unit that is led by Alonzo Harris played by Denzel Washington. During this film the audience
are taken on a journey over a 24-hour period of to see if Alonzo can escape the hold that the
Russian mob have on him.
One of the most important scenes in the film which has been confirmed by director Antoine
Fuqua, is where Alonzo, Jake and the rest of the team storm Roger’s (Scott Glenn) house in
order to rob him of four million dollars that he has buried in his house, so that Alonzo can
pay off the Russian mob. In the director’s commentary, Antione Fuqua explains to the
audience that this is the exact point where Jake realises that Alonzo is using him to commit
a crime.
In this scene, the technical elements such as camerawork, editing and mise-en-scene and
sound have been used very effectively by the director for different specific purposes,
including positioning the audiences view in relation to a characters movements, showing the
intelligence of certain characters and highlighting the true motives and aims of individuals in
the scene.
Camerawork:
We started to look at the camerawork used in the short clip of the raid scene. Straight away
I began to notice that there was a wide variety of shot types used. The clip begins with the
use of a tracking shot following both Jake and the rest of Alonzo’s crew. The reason that the
tracking is used is to capture the rapid actions that are going on.
The producers decided to use eye level mid shots to give the illusion that the audience are
actually there and as if they are watching the events live in conjunction to when they
happen. 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 character that is in the film.
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 and to make
them feel weak and vulnerable.
In the middle of the event Jake and Roger are being targeted. This creates a sense of
verisimilitude and enables the audience to be an active one, making them feel part of the
storyline. In addition, it makes the audience seem as if they are supporting those who are
vulnerable as they feel like they are in their shoes, whereas Fuqua never places us next to
Alonzo because he wants us to feel empathy for those who had lower status and were the
vulnerable ones in the scene.
Fuqua chose not to use many still shots, or shots that required tripods, as he wanted the
camera to shake slightly, this was done to further make the audience feel as though they
were moving around with the characters. This would also make the viewers feel on edge

2. about the upcoming events. However, there were moments when a Steadicam would have
had to been used to follow certain characters movements.
Low angles are used whenever the camera focuses on guns; this is to show that the guns
have power and dominance over the rest of the situation. The use of camerawork means
that we were able to see two perspectives of the happening events. The majority of the
camera work focused on the outside events prior to the invasion, 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 crew 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 and
how they were acting. As shown low angles were a big feature in the film. They were also
used to show that Jake was a moral and good policeman, and, in contrast, to show that
Alonzo is in control and that he has the power and authority over the rest of his crew.
High angles we used to show that Roger has no power but also to show that he still is 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.
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 as it is against
the norm for him. This was one of the only times that Alonzo was shown to be weak
throughout the film, yet at the same time we see Jake feeling uncomfortable in a position of
power, 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 calmenough to try and diffuse the situation by
talking to Jake.
The rule of thirds is also used constantly throughout the filmto 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 chest filled with money, hidden underneath 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 of how far Roger went to hide it. At one point,
a tilt down was used to focus on the chest that was about to be opened. Following this there

3. was the incorporation of a tilt to make it seem as though the audience were the ones
opening the chest, this is very similar to a point of view shot. This camerawork technique is
an effective way in making the audience active, 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 that Jake was nervous and unsettled.
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 for the audience to understand his point of view.
Extreme close-ups were used for tense moments to show facial expressions and a
characters emotion. A prime example of when this is used is when showing the tense
moments between Alonzo and Roger.
In addition to this 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.
They used close ups show different characters emotions. An example of when this is used is
when members of Alonzo’s crew are talking about taking $250,000 each for themselves,
from the $4m 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 not only himself but also his ethics. A close up was also used to focus on the lock that
is on the chest of money, this is to emphasise the security of what’s inside.
Editing
A variety of editing techniques were used in the clip that we watched. Quick cuts were used
when tension increased during the scene. For example, the speed of the cuts change from
slow to fast when Timis shot, and panic kicks in as they all realise that time was running out
for them to escape the situation without anyone knowing that they were 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, this is done to show the
slowing down of his life and to show it may be coming to an end. The camera focuses on
Alonzo, Jake and Roger, and this may have been done to show the slight relief or satisfaction
coming from Alonzo that Roger is finally going to die.
The atmosphere becomes almost relaxed. Slow cuts are also used in tense scenes to match
the speed and feel of the music. Slow cuts are also used to match what a character is
thinking at the time. An example of this is when Jake is confused, the speed slows down to
show the fact that he is not comfortable with the situation.

4. Sometimes loud noises can also influence the speed of the cuts that are edited into the
scene. An example of this is the breaking in of Rogers’s door, by Jeff at the start of the
scene; quick cuts are used during this.
When Jake puts the gun to Alonzo's head after he has been threatened, fast 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 begins to get nervous and unsure, as said the speed of the shots
change to enable us to understand how the characters are feeling.
Apart from the pace of cuts in which the shots are edited, other editorial techniques, such
as cross cutting is used to enable the audience to see 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 we 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 different
feelings and attitudes to what is going on.
Match on actions are an important editing technique. This was used to show both Alonzo’s
crew going through the door from an outsider’s 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 seemas if the audience were about to be
targeted.
Cutaways were included 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 was ok with what he was seeing. We were able to see Rogers
face; he was frustrated that Alonzo’s crew had broken into and demolished his house, yet at
the same time, he was very relaxed.
An ellipsis was used to show that time had passed, approximately an hour, as he dropped
his 8th cigarette butt on the floor. Again this cutaway enabled the audience to see Alonzo’s
emotions; this time 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.
The use of shot reverse shots were used just after Roger has been shot by Alonzo. This was
to show a contrast between Alonzo, who was happy that he had killed his so called 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 or reactions. It allows the audience to witness how the
characters interact with one another.

5. Mise-en-scene
One of the most important 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 weapons are used
and in shot at all times in the clip that we analysed. This was done to show that those
holding the items had authority and power.
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 bitch”, which has negative connotations. A
gun was also hidden in Roger’s newspaper. This could be because he is prepared for an
event like this occurring or he was smart enough to know that was going to happen. The
next prop which I believe is equally important, is the chest. 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.
Which means nobody would suspect criminal evidence to be in there, considering people
only associate good things with that room.
The walkie talkies are used in the film create realismand enable the police officers to
communicate with each other. Towards the end of the scene, we see how one walkie talkie
enables the whole plan to come together, this is when Paul uses it to report the shooting,
not only the shooting of Rodger but also one of the members from Alonzo’s crew.
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 does not wear one as he feels as he is above
everyone else and it’s as if he sees himself as invincible. He gets the other members of the
narcotics team to do the dirty 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. Because it’s dirty money it gets chucked around and
receives no respect or care from the crew.
A lot 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 follows later on. One member of
the team, Mark, wears a red shirt which also foreshadows that danger is looming both
within the group and in the future.
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 are dirty, which implies that he was going to be the one to do the dirty work
and dig for the chest. He looks scruffy and due to this, it is enforced that he has lower status
than the other members of the group.

6. 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 have the intention of doing any of the
work; he orders other people to do it for him.
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.
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. 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 in the middle of nowhere,
which already has the audience’s suspicions arousing, and believing something bad is going
to happen.
The sub-urban area is quiet, empty and desolate, to ensure that Roger has no problems and
to keep his residency a secret. When we first see the house we can tell that it is old. It is a
small 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 60’s.
There is a similar situation with the windows and furniture such as the oven and stereo, they
are old and dirty and have clearly had no attention or renovation 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.
When we are first introduced to Roger, we see that he is reading a newspaper. This
emphasises that he is clever because he is doing that rather than watching TV, which would
cause bills, and draw attention to himself. 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 throughout the period of time we are
in the house. The use of light 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 , this creates 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. However in
contrast, darkness is used to create a serious feel. The blinds are lowered to further ensure
that nobody is bringing any unwanted attention to the situation. The use of darkness
foreshadows negativity.

7. Sound
Many types of sound are used in the film. Low intense humming sounds are almost
constantly used throughout this 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 shocking 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. 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 calmand quiet voice to converse.
This is because at this point Roger believes that he 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 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 is both diegetic and synchronous, and adds to 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 calmabout 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.

8. Throughout the scene and the whole film, 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 himto shoot
Roger and when he is asked to take a quarter of a million dollars from the $4 million 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.