AS Media Studies

1. Leon Textual Analysis
Nazim Kurt

2. Leon-Opening Analysis
The term "mise en scene" is used to describe several aspects of theater or film production, and it
essentially refers to a visual theme (everything that appears in the frame). The analysis of moving
images (music videos, movies, and television shows) focuses on how the visuals in the frames
were produced with a certain message in mind. The focus of a mise en scene is on elements like
setting, attire, makeup, lighting, and props. Everything that is seen by the audience is a reference
to the mise en scene since without it, the plot's impact would only be little.
An English accent is used throughout the French thriller Leon. Suspense, tension, and excitement
are the micro aspects that a thriller movie uses to impact these emotions. This genre is utilized to
elicit from the spectator feelings of expectation, shock, fear, and dread. A typical subgenre is the
psychological thriller, and Se7en fits this description because it is a fictitious thriller that
concentrates on the psychology of the characters and their volatile emotional states. Thrillers
frequently make use of crowded streets and urban or suburban settings. The focus of the thriller
genre is societal injustice that is resolved.

3. Camera Movement (Leon)
Leon: the professional is the moving image that will be examined for mise en scene. The first image taken by the camera is of a sizable body of
water, after which it pans over numerous trees. The next view is an establishing shot of the skyline of New York as the camera turns upward.
The purpose of this image is to show the audience where the action will be taking place. After then, the viewer might have expectations for what
might happen next and cues as to whether the shot is urban or suburban.
The busy streets of New York City are then shown as the camera pans closer to the skyline. The spectator can see from this that the movie is set in
an urban region because there are lots of structures there instead of people or moving cars. Compared to the opening scene, which featured a
natural environment rich in land, trees, and water, this is a contrast. The scene in which the camera pans through the road at a height above car level
reveals the setting of the movie. When the camera lifts up and zooms in on a sign that reads, "Welcome to Little Italy," the location is made clear. An
image is sliced to reveal a The camera pans quickly into the door of a restaurant called "Supreme Macaroni Co." into complete darkness.
Leon, who plays a significant part throughout the movie, is the main protagonist and inspiration for the title.
Leon's hands are shown in extreme close-up surrounding a milk-filled glass on a red and white checkered tablecloth. It is unusual that the glass
contained milk because mature men are typically shown to be drinking booze, especially if the film is a thriller. The tablecloth is recognizable because
that is how it is typically in eateries, especially more quaint, neighborhood eateries that are less well-known than others. Cut to a very close-up
picture of Benny.Benny is seen smoking, however he is out of frame while the cigarette is sharp. This is done in an effort to grab the audience's
attention by using smoking, which has gained popularity and is now seen to be "cool." A very close-up shot identifies this prop.

4. Editing (Leon)
On top of a black background, the title is written in a plain white font with the word
"LEON" capitalized and separated by spaces. The headline has been highlighted
and given prominence using this writing style and size. Intentionally, the colors are
chosen to highlight the contrast and make the font pop against the ominous
background. The font is placed in the middle to draw attention to it and capture the
audience's undivided focus. To draw the audience's attention, the title is placed so
that it specifically fills the volume of the scene.

5. Mise-en scene of Leon
The movie is set in New York, as evidenced by the opening sweeping image of the city skyline, a banner in the street that reads
"Welcome to Little Italy," and a deeper dive into a restaurant called "Supreme Macaroni Co."
Lighting: The lighting in the establishing shots of the sea, trees, and city is very natural and brilliant, creating a setting that is familiar to
viewers. Contrarily, the images taken inside the restaurant "Supreme Macaroni co" made use of artificial chiaroscuro lighting to create
a more tense and somber environment.
Props: The first prop the audience sees of Leon is a glass of milk, which is unusual for a thriller because viewers typically expect to see
the character drinking booze. When Leon finishes his glass of milk at the conclusion of his chat with Benny, it almost has the effect of a
full stop. This is done on purpose to highlight the conclusion and highlight a characteristic of Leon.
Benny, the second male figure who interacts with Leon, is smoking a cigarette while holding a lighter in his hand. This is inserted on
purpose to give the character a "bad" appearance, which is frequently connected to crime, drugs, alcohol, and the streets.
In his black sunglasses with a reflection of a man named Benny sitting at a table with a red checked tablecloth and a bottle of drink
while lighting a cigarette, Leon is dressed as the character. To prevent his identity from being revealed, something is added to cover
his eye. The spectator is left wondering who the character is and who the person smoking is, which generates mystery.

6. Sound (Leon)
While the white credits are displayed over a black background, the soundtrack's
general mood is one of tranquility and softness. As the camera moves across the
ocean, a violin playing at a high pitch is added, which could have been done to
evoke a sense of travel. Flute and pipe instrument sounds are added to the
soundtrack as the camera wanders through the city's busy streets. Up until the
scene where Leon and his Benny are presented to the public inside the restaurant
"Supreme Macaroni Restaurant," the soundtrack is still playing throughout the
opener. The only sounds used during the dialogue between these two men are
background noises. To emphasize the point, the sound of the cigarette being
lighted is a man smoking The burning of the cigarette is intensified when the man
inhales, adding to the significance of his smoking. When a cigarette is put out in
the ashtray, it is said to be done.