This document provides an analysis of camera techniques used in the TV show Life on Mars. It discusses various shot types like close-up, medium shot, long shot, and how they are used to reflect the main character Sam's disorientation and construct the 1973 setting. It also analyzes how the visuals signify symbols and meanings through composition, perspective, and foreground/background elements. Specific scenes are analyzed in terms of camerawork, mise-en-scene, narrative, and how they represent the police force and compare policing procedures between 1973 and 2005.

1. Life on MarsAnalysis of Camerawork

2. Close up

3. Medium Close Up

4. Medium Shot

5. Long/Wide Shot

6. High Angle Long Shot

7. Low Angle

8. Low Angle Medium Close Up

9. Focus Pull

10. Focus Pull

11. Canted Angles or Dutch Tilts

12. Over the Shoulder ShotsAlso can be referred to as Shot/Reverse/Shot if repeatedly used to film a conversation

13. Shot/Reverse/Shot

14. Pan

15. Crane Shot

16. 360° Turn

17. 360° Turn

18. Composition of FrameWhat meanings could be interpreted from the shots in front of you?ConnotationsConsider where the camera is placed – Who’s perspective is the camera taking? Is this significant?Consider what is in the foreground/background, in/out of focus/distortion...Division of frame / Rule of Thirds

19. Rule of Thirds

20. Rule of Thirds

21. Rule of Thirds

22. Rule of Thirds Eyes ‘read’ from left to right

23. Composition of Frame

24. Composition of Frame

25. Composition of Frame

26. Analysis of CameraworkUsing the Worksheet of Camera stills and the extract in action, analyse and write a detailed exploration of the meanings constructed from the sequenceYou should:Identify camera shots/angles/movementDiscuss how Sam’s disorientation is reflected in the cameraworkDiscuss the visual signs that construct a 1973 setting and how this contributes to the atmosphere of the sceneDiscuss what is being signified/symbolised [connotations] through the visual images

27. Analysis of the whole episodeAnalyse episode 1 of Life on Mars and comment on how it is constructed as a Police DramaIn your answer you should discuss:Generic expectations of TV DramaRealistic in performance/narrative/filming style. Where it sways away from realism and why you think this is Analysis of specific key scenes in terms of CameraworkMise-en-scéneNarrative style and performanceThe representation of the police forceCompare/contrast policing in 2005 and 1973Procedures and Organisation – how things are ‘done’ Set/costume/propsCompare and contrast Sam Tyler and Gene Hunt

28. The billboard illustrations acts as a short-hand device to reinforce the date and location of this scene. For non-Mancunians, this location will simply mean some time in the past; for locals it will root the scene precisely in a time and place, and will remind older viewers of the trials and frustrations of trying to drive around Manchester before the road was built.[Also a subtle intertextual reference to Back to the Future]

29. Close upSam’s distress is clearly visible and demonstrated by the use of the close up. It allows Sam’s anguish to be emphasised in his body language – most notably with facial expression and the manner he grasps the steering wheel. The abduction of Maya has hit him hard – which is precisely how the car then hits him, taking him into another time.

30. High Angle Long ShotThe surrounding concrete and tarmac environment reinforces the urban location. Sam’s emotional state, the hard-edged surroundings and the brutality of the hit-and-run all lead the audience to expect a hard-hitting piece of gritty realism.