I have chosen the clip 'Elliot On Adderall' from the TV Show 'Mr Robot'. I chose this clip because it is filmed very like conventional film but also because it features drugs and the effects drugs are having on a character. This is useful for me because in the film we are making there is a scene that will take place very like this. I hopefully be able to take some inspiration from this clip when filming my own 'drug scene'.
Mise En Scene
Almost everything in this scene in 'Mr Robot' has been placed to show the effect of drugs and what life is like for a drug user. Flat/cool colours are used throughout the scene setting an ominous and dark setting - representing the emotional state the character is in, struggling with mental problems and insecure in himself. It represents that things are not normal but actually very bad.
The power of the drugs is portrayed in the way the scene is set out, all of the sets in this short clip are very minimal with very little furniture. This exaggerates how the drugs being used are very much in control of the characters life, they are all that matters - nothing else is really required for stimulation. All of the scenes also have a grey colour theme - again showing the darkness of the characters situation.
The main character, Elliot, always wears black clothes and often has his hood up. This contrasts in the scenes with other characters who usually where bright colours. This again is done to make him stand out amongst the others. Drug user in mental state who relies on drugs to survive vs your average normal person?
The lighting is always focused on the characters with almost no lighting on the background scene, I believe this is done to focus the viewers attention on the facial expressions of the characters as these are very important to the viewer so they see any slight effect that the drugs are having.
Camera
Extreme close-ups and a very shallow depth of field are used throughout this clip. This is emphasise the main objects being shows in the clip and make sure the user can see them with clarity. When we see ECU's on Elliot's face this is done to clearly show even the small effects the drugs are having on him. Even at times giving us clues to his emotional state.
The camera also looks at the character from different angles at different times. Before Elliot takes the drugs the camera looks up on him (showing that Elliot is in control of himself). However, after he has taken the drugs the camera looks down on him, showing how he is not in control anymore, that it is the drugs in power.
The camera movement is this clip is minimal. The camera is largely fixed in position throughout the film - I believe showing how the main character is quite lonely. It is like nothing there, almost we are watching him from a 'whole in the wall'.
The camera does track or zoom towards the character at times, usually as he is about to take the drugs. I believe this is done to exaggerate the moment, almost make the viewer think "Oh no, he is doing it again".
Sound
Non-Diegetic sound is used throughout this clip. The main character speaks in a voice over frequently, this is done so we know what is going in his head, especially how he is feeling at different moments. This works very well as it helps to build an emotional connection with the viewer and the character.
A Non-Diegetic sound track is also used very well. At the introduction of the scene quite jolly music is played in the background - this is done to represent the good feeling the drugs are causing the character to feel - the positive effects they are having on him. Later in the clip however, when the negative effects of the drugs to come across and they start to wear off, scary, dark music starts to play. This makes the sudden mood change in the film very obvious.
There is a cut in the scene where a Diegetic sound effect is used while the character runs up the stairs, we hear his feet clapping on the stairs. This also syncs up with the music. I believe this was done in the specific film to show the order that the drugs are making Elliot feel like he has in his life momentarily.
Editing
Early on in the clip Elliot appears on the screen multiple times. This is done by cloning. This would of been done to show the repetition of the event, it is something he does everyday.
The screen also starts to pixelate later in the video. This has been done in editing and is done to show how the negative effects of the drugs are taking control of the mind of Elliot - showing confusion.
