2. No.6 -
Editing
• -The overlapping scenes and images during the main characters' introduction
(implying the reveal of some of their memories, roles and overall personas) was done
to show their characterization subtly, alluding to their themes and backstories.
• -The pace is mostly consistent, having space to introduce locations and
few characters, but the pace gets faster, almost frantic, as the overlapping flashbacks
are shown, quickly giving their backstories a slight introduction (only implications can
be made by the consumers).
• -Zoom out after the flashback sequence for bother characters, focusing on their
visages and illustrating them as if made up by those memories. Their identity is built
by what they went through (said identity is revealed to the audience).
• -In the initial transition from title to opening in the introduction, the 'camera' is
plummeting down, sinking into the clouds and allowing for the sans serif title to be
introduced; simple writing, big font, brings attention to the name. The sense of the
'camera' dropping to transition at the beginning is also used to introduce the
setting, and also allude to the premise of the show (entrapment of the restricting
society created in the 6th district).
• -The specific focus on the main characters' eyes, both showing the essence of their
characters, (eyes are believed to be the windows to the soul) was done to illustrate
their identities, also implying how relevant their roles and perspectives are to the
narrative.
• -The wall of edited-on gray hexagons form another link to entrapment, as it deluges
the two introduced figures, maybe to signify their close relationship.
• -The intense saturation at the very end (plus the rainbow divide matching the
saturation) has the effect of attracting the audience's attention, but also connoting a
positive ending/theme.
3. No.6 -Mise
en scene
-The costumes chosen for the characters convey their roles and tell the
audience more about their presentation. The unkept, dark garments of Nezumi
reveal that he comes from the economically deteriorated and deprived side of
the society, while Shion is more well put in terms of clothing, as he is from the
6th district, with better resources (but corrupt)
-The use of various locations (e.g., no.6, outside the districts) - used for
illustrating the theme of 'poverty, struggle, but liberty' of outside the districts,
versus 'wealth, order but entrapment' of the districts.
-The unnatural and almost lurid coloration/saturation effect with Shion's and
Nezumi's flashback sequences (distorted, superficial reality) with the low-key
lighting reveals their past in a negative light, alluding a certain amount of
insight of their lives. Said vibrant and unnatural hues also reveal Nezumi's
traumatic and dark memories, and the lighting used makes for uncomfortable
scenery.
-The mostly high-key lighting throughout the above-the-clouds sequence, the
focus on the characters' expressions softening, as shown in the reverse shot. By
taking them away from the locations they grew up in and the ones that
moulded them, they're stripped of their statuses and perceived roles, exhibiting
their connection.
-Props to get across more of the themes: Nezumi holding a knife- links to his
violent and dangerous upbringing out of the confines of structured society;
while Shion is seen holding things like trophies (the two extremes-dichotomy).
4. No.6 -
Camera
-A variety of shots are used, and specifically the zoom outs when flashes of
memories are shown for the characters. When zooming in, the overlapping scenes
are shown clearly, highlighting their potential backstories (getting the audience
familiar with them).
By using an extreme close-up after zooming out for the subjects, more focus is
put on their expressions, which represents their states. (Shion- depressed,
unsatisfied; Nezumi- angry at the world.)
-The extreme close ups used to focus on the characters' (eyes- often referred to as
'the eyes are windows to the soul')- unveils sentiment.
The mid shots conclusively used to end the flashback sequence- they are coming
towards the 'camera'- one running, looking straight ahead and one walking slowly
while looking down.
-Extreme wide shots to establish the setting and their location (at the beginning)
are done with a leaning angle, alluding to a sense of abnormality.
-The variety of different angle shots with a fast pace, (low angle, high angle) during
the flashbacks are gives a sense of discomfort, as it is unsettling for the audience
for the shots to be so extreme- (adds a dramatic sentiment, like the low angle shot
directly facing up with Shion; and the high angle shot used with Nezumi as he was
beaten). The unstable use of camerawork, not a straight and stable shot (wind) also
present this abnormality.
-The final liminal space shown through the wide-shot shows dichotomy and
separation of characters (also their worlds), their divide is inevitable; they are
complete opposites.
-There is also fluent, smooth movement of camera, around characters and locations.
5. No.6 -
Sound
-The song chosen has a high-pitched singing voice (soprano) that almost seems to
resemble a sort of lament, creating a tormented setting and theme of this reality.
This reflects the sci-fi genre, it being a reality with advanced science and
supernatural factors (which has many problems in the society created from it).
The show also focuses on this, so foreboding is used in the intro.
-The song is not too interactive with the actual sequence, apart from the
crescendo of the climax, and a resolution (climax at 0:59). The music reflects the
mood and therefore represents the purpose of the themes and sentiments behind
the story.
-Music fades out at the end (in the fold of a single final electric-guitar strum),
showing finality and an almost-peace in an alternate reality/ idyllic fantasy
setting (clouds).
-The electronic pulse music at the very beginning might be an introduction to the
planned, restricting reality the characters are in, as their lives are owned by this
built society and system that deprives them of the basic human need for
independence and not constant superficiality.
-The whistle is heard at 0:05 resembles the wind; perhaps alluding to the theme
of nature being considered absolute freedom (as the sky is the farthest away from
corrupt civilisation)- it is also synchronous, relating to the camerawork.
-The mostly upbeat tune contrasts with the soprano vocals (almost sound like a
lamenting voice), creating an almost haunting effect and setting the mood for the
series.
-At 0:57, there is a voice change, introducing only for a second a male voice for a
brief moment.
