The document discusses camera work, editing, sound, and mise-en-scene techniques used in the opening scenes of Pulp Fiction, Goodfellas, and Harry Brown. Specifically, it notes how close-ups show emotion in Pulp Fiction, slow camera movements build tension in Goodfellas, and shaky "phone camera" footage makes the audience feel like part of the scene in Harry Brown. Editing techniques like shot reverse shot and slow cuts also manipulate atmosphere. Diegetic sound adds authenticity while its absence emphasizes emptiness. Costumes and props are consistently used to portray the characters' environments.

1. Presentation on Textual Analysis
By Thomas Noakes

2. Camera Work
 From Pulp fiction, in terms of camera work I learned how close up shots of the main characters display
emotion of the characters in the scene. It also showed me how medium shots, include the immediate setting
around the characters to give the viewer as to where they are. The match on action shots also augment the
scene, by adding in authentic details of the environment such as the waitress pouring the coffee.
 In Goodfellas the camera work is very slow, and the shot movement deliberately lacks pace. This is to build
tension and suspense with the audience as we wait to find out what is in the boot, and what is going to
happen to it. Also the shot of Tommy stabbing the man in the back of the car, is shown to dehumanize the
character being killed, trying to get the audience to see the killing from the perspective of the gangsters.
 In Harry Brown’s opening scene we see the camera techniques used to reflect the environment that the
characters are in. Almost all the footage is filmed as if it was on a mobile phone, making the viewer feel as if
they one of the gang members looking in on the initiation, or at the shooting in the park. This adds to the
audiences feeling of revulsion a what they are seeing, and automatically makes them further empathize with
the Harry Brown’s situation before we even meet him.

3. Editing
 Terms of editing, I learnt (through Pulp Fiction) about the effectiveness of the shot reverse shot
technique. This is prevalent throughout the scene to show the emotions and reactions of the
characters, whilst in mid conversation. This also adds a slightly comedic element to the scene as
the subject matter of the suggestions the man comes up with, are met with a completely
different response from what the audience would expect from an apparently normal everyday
citizen.
 In contrast to Pulp Fiction, in Goodfellas, I learned how the use of slow cuts between shots can
add a menacing nature to the scene. In creating this suspicious atmosphere the characters are
filled with trepidation as to what they are about to do. The creeping sensation these slow cuts
add, is integral to the spooky atmosphere of the scene.
 In the opening of Harry Brown, there is a distinct lack of editing in the opening scene, to leave
the shots rough and unprofessional, as the shots are meant to be filmed of a phone by one of
the street thugs involved. In this instance I learned how editing can be used to convey
authencticity.

4. Sound
 The use of diegetic and non-diegetic sound is crucial throughout all the opening sequences I
have studied doing my textual analysis. In pulp fiction, the sound in the scene is used to create
authenticity. The calm nature of this presumably diegetic sound from the traffic noise and the
restaurant music, also promotes a relaxed atmosphere In the diner, which is contrary to the
macabre subject matter of the conversation the couple are having.
 In Goodfellas, there is distinct lack of sound, apart from the diegetic noise of the cars passing by
on the road. This lack of sound emphasizes the emptiness and loneliness of the place that the
three men are in. The fact that nothing or no-one seems to be nearby, means that they can do
anything.
 In Harry Brown, the sound is also all diegetic. The youths in the first scene create loud
intimidating noise as the boy is forced to inhale hard drugs. In the second scene the loud angry
noise of the moped, is used to shock the viewer, and recreate the madness that of the things
the boys are taking part in.

5. Mis en Scene
 The mis en scene in pulp fiction, Goodfellas and Harry Brown are all used in
the same way to bring about the authenticity of the piece. The costume
such as the casual fashion of Pulp Fiction, the sharp suits in Goodfellas and
the inexpensive tracksuits and hoodies seen in Harry Brown, are the clothes
that are stereotypically worn by those characters and instantly make them
more believable. I also learned that the props used, have to be consistent
with the characters place in society and their purpose in the scene, for
example the weapons used in Goodfellas, are authentically brutal to be seen
as a primitive contrast to the smooth mafia image.