Behind Enemy Lines (Part 1) K. Main

Value1: they are civilised; the enemy is not Context: Start of the film when we see American troops at work with Bosnian troops in Bosnia – Chris Burnett revisits this location during his journey to escape. Key Points: The start of the film helps to establish that Americans are civilised. This is shown as we see American troops assisting Bosnian troops with the planting of trees. The fact that they are planting trees is important because they are symbolic of the idea that things can grow when they are nurtured properly. This scene is accompanied by religious/angelic sounding music that again highlights that the Americans are civilised.

Value 1: They are civilised; the enemy is not Context: Serb fighters following the shooting down of Stackhouse and Burnett’s plan Key Points: The plane crashing is immediately followed with these scenes of celebration. We see the Serb troop firing their rifles in the air. This seems reckless behaviour and so these shots can be considered as the filmmaker’s attempt to show that the enemy are uncivilised. You could consider their costumes too. Dark, balaclavas concealing and dehumanising them, black bandanas. Also consider the use of language. We often hear them speak without being given sub-titles; this helps to distance us from them further.

Value 1: They are civilised; the enemy is not Context: Stackhouse is found lying injured on the hillside while Burnett is away trying to find a radio signal. He is caught by a large section of the Serb army who arrive over the hill in tanks and on foot. Key Points: When Stackhouse is surrounded by the troops his fear is shown in this close up shot. We can see smears of blood on his face indication that he has been injured. His eyes show fear as he hands over a card to the commander. We recognise that the Serb troops are uncivilised as the dialogue shows them mock Stackhouse. In addition, close up shots of his badly injured and bleeding knee makes us realises that he must be in pain. When we see the Serb troops stand on his knee causing him to yell out we think of them as uncivilised.

Value 1: They are civilised; the enemy is not Context: The commander instructs the ‘Tracker’ to execute Stackhouse. Key Points: We get the sense that they are evil as in one shot he is shown casually smoking a cigarette, while the next shown the graphic execution. The fact that we view the execution through a binocular like lens allows us to experience Burnett’s Point of View and share in his emotions. This is called a point of view shot. This is a key scene in showing that the enemy is always evil. Furthermore, Sasha’s callous approach to killing is emphasised by the casual smoking of the cigarette. This emphasises the lack of care he has for his fellow man.

American Value 1: they are civilised; the enemy is not Context: We view Sasha and the Captain who are on a mission to find the real Burnett. They are walking though a forested area. Key points: The simple dialogue in the scene and the positioning of the characters helps to show that they are uncivilised. Sasha commits the cruel act of abandoning his comrade to die. When the captain begs for help, Sasha is shown to walk away shrugging his shoulders. This scene is juxtaposed with images of the American troops preparing to rescue Burnett. This contrast portrays the value well.

Value 2: American Military technology is superior Context: Opening sequence Key Points: During the opening sequence a montage of shots is edited together to give the audience the belief that American military technology is superior. An example of how camera work is used to achieve this is shown in the above picture. Here the filmmakers have used a crane shot to give a clear view of how many planes they have and how advanced they are. The use of the green typography in the computer style font that explains we are looking aboard the “USS Carl Vinson, somewhere in the Adriatic Sea” helps to suggest that the Americans use advanced systems dependant upon computers.

Value 2: American Military technology is superior Context: Montage at the start of the film Key Points: We are shown images that make it clear America have advanced capabilities. For example, the above mid shot of a flight controller clearly shows an array of complex buttons. The blue lighting used on the Flight Controller allows him to seem less significant to the audience than the computer screens and bright/multicoloured lights. This means the audience’s attention is on the technology and so America’s superior technology is highlighted. This sequence is accompanied by a non-diegetic soundtrack. The soundtrack is fast paced and modern. This again suggests that their technology is superior.

Value 2: American Military technology is superior Context: Montage at the start of the film Key Points: Close up shots of seemingly unimportant data screens show that the Americans have advanced capabilities. In this shot the target on the screen suggests that it would be very easy for America to carry out an attack if the wished.

American Value 3: They are brave and determined Context: American Troops gather as they prepare for their first rescue mission – this is later abandoned because of pressure from the Nato Commander. Key Points: We see shots of American troop preparing for battle. The arrangement of the troops in a circle gives the idea of togetherness. This helps to show that they are brave and ready to risk their lives to save Burnett.

American Value 3: They are brave and determined Context: Having witnessed the Serb troop mistake the body of a Serb in Burnett’s uniform for Burnett, we see Burnett exit the Serb camp dressed in the enemy uniform and a balaclava. The camera follows the balaclava wearing figure as he exits the camp. Key Points: As he nears the exit, he slowly removes the balaclava and turns to the camera. This is shot in slow motion and accompanied by triumphant music. We see him run into the distance. All of this sequence helps to promote the value that they are strong, brave and heroic.