Brief Evaluation of 3 TV Dramas
Breaking Bad (Crime Drama)
> Establishing shots show the opening is set in a desert-like area.
>Ambient music during establishing shots to create a calm atmosphere.
> Also this creates a false sense of security.
> Slow cut until the action starts - cuts become very fast after this.
> Ambient music changes to high tempo music to match the high speed driving.
> Action is matched with a closeup on the main characters face - this shows his reaction to the drama.
> Lots of different shots in this scene; pan shot, match-on-action, closeup, longshot.
> High-key natural light throughout this scene as it is high action.
> Police sirens in background, breathing, speaking, coughing and other digetic sounds - contrasted by lack of non-digetic sound.
> Handheld shot used for video camera segment, very unique camera shot (Also extreme closeup).
The Walking Dead (Horror Drama)
> Establishing shot - rural environment, quiet road.
> Overturned cars on the road goes well with the lack of music to create mysterious atmosphere.
> Low-key natural lighting to create gloomy atmosphere.
> Neutral colours used a lot - grey, white, brown.
> There is a slow pan alongside a slow zoom from a longshot to a closeup.
> Not a lot of non-digetic sound throughout, mainly digetic such as car sounds, breathing, crickets.
> There is a slow pan onto the dead body, which then remains focused there for a few seconds.
> Reveal of zombie causes growling to start, gets louder as tension builds.
> Silenced by gunshot.
> As the music starts, closeup on main characters face.
Sherlock (Crime Drama)
> Establishing shot - medium shot on a bench in the park, followed by mid shot.
> Shot-reverse shot.
> Natural lighting used again.
> POV shot from inside the body bag.
> High-key lighting inside the lab.
> Unnerving music in background creates a sense of discomfort.
> Fast cut during the whipping of the body - music ups tempo - cracking sound.
> Lots of digetic sound - footsteps, door, dialogue.
> Mysterious music in background helps to create an atmosphere.
> Low-key lighting in his office, dark clothing.
> Music peaks at the beginning of the tension.
> Slow zoom to closeup on Sherlock's face on key line.
