The document provides an analysis of techniques used in the Christopher Nolan film The Dark Knight Rises. It discusses the dark orchestral soundtrack that builds tension. Scenes use quick cuts during action and slow transitions for build up. Cross-cutting in the opening scene shows different shots happening simultaneously to create tension. Camera work includes establishing shots, long shots to show importance of characters, and low angles to make characters seem powerful. Costumes and props like masks and guns reinforce themes of hiding identities and power. Low-key lighting creates tension and represents sinister characters.

1. By Mariam Ibrahim

2.  Genres: Thriller, Crime Fiction, Action film
 Directed by: Christopher Nolan
 Target Audience: Teenagers/young adults
Sound
 The main soundtrack for The Dark Knight Rises is made up of orchestral
instruments such as string and bass which give a sense of a very dark-
sounding theme.
 There are many drumbeats and weapon sounds which are quite common in
thriller films as it shows the conflict.
 When the tension increases in a particulars scene, so does the sound.
 There are many diegetic sounds used such as: shouting, firing of guns,
vehicle noises and other mechanical objects.
Editing
• There is a long screen time which shows the audience how important the
characters are in the plot.
• There are many quick cuts shown when there is a lot of action going on
within the scene, and slow transitions when it is starting to build up.
• Cross-cutting is effective in the opening scene as you are shown the
different shots for example: the pilots loosing control.
• This creates tension as the audience see all the different shots happening
at thee same time and it makes them want to find out what happens next.

3. CAMERA
 The scene starts off with a
establishing shot which sets
scene of the countryside with a
car driving along it. This shot sets
the theme as it shows us isolation
and this is building suspense for
the audience about what is going
to appear next.
 There is a long shot of the agent and his
body language establishes dominance
and indicates to the audience that he is in
charge.
 The agent is wearing casual clothes,
whereas the guards behind him are fully
uniformed which suggests that they have
a lot of authority and the guns in their
hand shows violence.
 The camera slowly moves towards the
agent to put a more emphasis on his role.

4.  The camera is at a low angle to reveal the
face of this character as he is the most
important part of the shot. This is made him
more powerful during the shot reverse shots.
 The high angle shot of the agent’s reaction
shows us that the character with the mask
has taken his power and made him passive.
 The reveal of his face is slow which builds
tension and suspense for the audience.
 The use of zoom into the mask is to give a
specific meaning that the mask is a image as
a dangerous individual and is a important
theme throughout.

5. MISE-EN-SCENE
Costume/Props
 There are many props used such as guns
and masks which go with the super hero
theme and the fact that they are trying to hide
the identity.
 The masks are to hide their identity to protect
others.
 The props reinforce power within the
characters and it is easy to see a clear
understanding of the superhero vs the villain
through the costumes.
Low-key lighting
 The use of low-key lighting is
effective as he is still trying to hide
his identity.
 It creates tension for the audience
and it represents the character to
be sinister and evil.