World Cinema - REC Screening analysis

After watching REC, I will be analysing the film in relation to the micro and macro aspects.


MICRO
Cinematography

The cinematography used during REC successfully attempts to demonstrate aspects of realism, such as handheld cameras, realistic camera angles and low key lighting. Handheld cameras are used throughout the film, so the audience feel a part of the experience. REC approach usual storylines with a different style. The audience feel as though they are watching from the audiences perspective during the first scene and as victims of the virus for the remainder of the film. The camera often pans and tilts to increase suspense and tension, such as the loft sequence.     

The film mainly uses low key lighting, however there are instances where lighting is used to contrast certain objects, such as stairs. It is often used to show the ways of escape or to highlight the important parts of the scene. Lighting can be used as a binary opposition. An example would be where there are bright lights in the medical room whereas dark and low key lighting is used elsewhere (emphasises the danger).        


Mise en scene

. The film mainly takes place in a derelict, run-down block of flats. This is due to the fact that most zombie films rarely change location, such as The Decent, and also take place in a rural, disclosed location. The film follows the codes and conventions of a horror film.

The clothing of the protagonists is casual, apart from the firemen. Due to the stereotypes associated with firemen, the victims and the audience expect them to be the “saviours” from the virus. People don’t often see firemen or those expected to be stronger than others, to be in a vulnerable situation.   

Performance

Unlike mainstream cinema, REC uses untrained stars, or stars that have little mainstream exposure; most have appeared in very few films. Untrained actors often result in higher availability and lower recruitment costs.

The performance of the stars reflects the cinematic style of realism with the handheld cameras. For example, you never see the man behind the camera (Pablo). Pablo’s convincing performance encourages suspension of belief among the audience as they forget that what are seeing is fictitious.

Sound

REC relies heavily on the use of sound, mostly diegetic, to convey realism. For example, there is no music during the film; just natural, realistic sounds such as coughing and heavy breathing. The sound during the film is emphasised in places so the audience become more involved in the narrative.

Editing

Continuity editing, such as montage, is the most common during REC, to represent realism. The first few scenes of the film use quick cuts to show binary opposites. For example, the first shot is a POV shot of the cameraman, so the audience do not feel part of the experience, although they are being spoken to directly. The shot shows connotations of a television programme so the audience are forced to work out what is happening.  However the next few shots are on location, but still from the same perspective. This gives the impression that you are “behind the scenes”, and part of an experience that no one else is part of. 

MACRO
Narrative

The narrative in REC follows the codes and conventions of a zombie horror film. However there is a distinct difference with REC. The audience are placed in a scenario where they follow a camera crew. The situation is a typical everyday routine of a working fireman. This produces questions that the audience need to answer and understand. The narrative used a good example of shocking cinema as what seems a realistic television programme eventually escalates into a 'no win' situation. Due to its excellent representation of realism (apart from those infected by the virus), the audience become very involved and more shocked by what is happening within the each shot (visceral).