1. Essay 2 – Battle Scenes
Explain what cinematic techniques are used to
enhance your understanding and enjoyment of
the battle scenes in ‘Braveheart’.
In your essay you should cover the following techniques:
•Representation
•Camera Angles and Shots
•Sound
•Montage (Editing)
In pairs, try to write a plan for this essay. You will first
need to work out what aspects of the film (hint: you will
discuss with respect to the four techniques above).

2. Points to remember
• ALWAYS refer back to the wording of the
question at the beginning and end of each
paragraph
• Check your work for technical accuracy –
spelling, punctuation, grammar, correct
sentence structures
• Ensure that you provide analysis
• Try to include quotations

3. • Introduction
– Introduce the film and the key scenes that you will be
discussing in the essay
– Mention the techniques that you will discuss in the essay
– Ensure that you refer to the question – i.e. use the wording
of the question in your answer!!!!
• The Pre-Battle
– Outline the mood and atmosphere before Wallace arrives on
the battlefield
– Explain that representation and sound are the cinematic
techniques used to enhance the audience’s understanding
– Define representation and explain that it is used to set up the
scene: English vs. Scottish and the impression created
– Describe the music that is used here too and the
atmosphere that it creates

4. • Arrival of Wallace
– Explain that the atmosphere changes when Wallace
arrives
– You should discuss the representation of Wallace
and his companions and their impact on the
Scottish army (determination to win vs. believing
they will lose)
– You should discuss the difference in the sound and
explain how this helps to change the atmosphere
– You should also compare Lochland’s and Wallace’s
speeches to highlight the impact of Wallace’s arrival
– Remember to use quotations where appropriate

5. • The First Battle Charge
– Explain how camera angles and sound help to
create drama and tension during the heavy horse
charge
– Define diagetic and non-diagetic sound and analyse
the use of this cinematic technique during the
sequence when the horses charge
– You should analyse the significance of at least two
different camera angles used during this sequence
– You should define montage / scene editing and
discuss the importance of the cutting between the
horses and the Scottish army during this scene

6. • The Battle
– Explain how camera angles and sound help to make the
audience feel directly in the midst of the battle
– You should focus on both diagetic and non-diagetic sound
and analyse the use of this cinematic technique
– You should analyse the significance of at least three different
camera angles
– You should define montage / scene editing and discuss the
importance of the short quick cuts during the battle
• Wallace’s Victory
– State what angle is used to focus on Wallace at the end of
the battle scene
– Describe how he behaves
– Explain the significance of this scene and analyse the effect
of the music in enhancing it

7. • Conclusion
– Summarise the techniques that you have discussed
in the essay
– Give your opinion upon what cinematic techniques
were most effective in enhancing your enjoyment
and understanding of the scenes.
• Job done!!!!!!!