Man On Fire Effective Shots

The above print screen reveals the opening shot of the trailer. The exposition is set by the wide angle, introducing a mysterious man and his dog. Through this angle we are are able to see the location of the film and infer after perhaps a middle classed family. It is only later on in the trailer that the audience learn of the importance of this mans character as he becomes the hero and protagonist.

The next effective shot is this birds eye view which looks down upon a crime scene investigation. The audience are able to see the police car in the centre of the shot surrounded by three CID cars. This instantly signals danger to the audience as so from

Rihanna Nasrat

Page 1

Man On Fire Effective Shots

here on they would be expecting trouble. The angle in which this is presented falls parallel to a CCTV or survelliance footage and so this adds to the idea of a criminal act.

Above shows a mid-shot of Pita crying over Creasy who has just been injured in a confontation with the kidnappers. The angle in which this is revealed allows the audience to clearly see the facial expression of the young girl who is seemingly distraught by what has occurred. The audience are immediately forced to sympathise with her character. Further the wide angle of the shot reveals Creasys body and so this hieghtens the audiences concern and involvement.

I also found this shot extremely effective mainly due to its use of the rule of thirds. Pita
Rihanna Nasrat Page 2

Man On Fire Effective Shots

is placed in the lower right on the shot and in effect this makes her seem quite small and vulnerable; in effect this would create an attachment with the audince and her seemingly innocent character. The mise en scene of this shot is also significant and is dicussed in the Man on Fire - Mise en Scene post.

Here we have a close up of Creasy; through which we can clearly see his facial expression. He is seemingly very angry and so the audience are able to infer after his determination to find the kidnappers. Portraying Creasy in this light is effective as it resonates with the characteristics of a protagonist and hero. The audience would not feel more confident with his ability to win the battle and so would be put more at ease.

Rihanna Nasrat

Page 3

Man On Fire Effective Shots

The next shot which I found effective was the mid-shot, which reveals the back of Creasy as he prepares to shoot at the antagonists car. The camera takes place of an over-theshoulder shot which is usually done to force audience to see the events through the character on screen. In this case, we are put in a position in which we must empathise with what he is doing and if not already; we are forced to side with his character.

Above shows the final shot that the trailer closes with. I believe that Scott had done this very effectively as the content of the clip directly links in to the title of the film, thus allowing the audience to establish and maintain the association. Creasy is shwon walking away from a burning building, which he supposdely set alight; the audience now learn that he is in fact the man on fire. Furthermore, the angle in which he is presented allows us to vaguely see his powerful and determined look, which is suprosingly calm considering the fire in the background. The audience will now leave with the impression of Creasy being a hero and so finish with lasting thoughts of his seeingly impressionable character.

Rihanna Nasrat

Page 4