Gattaca Film techniques

Mise en Scene pronounced “meez aun sen” French term meaning ‘staging the action’. Refers to all the visual elements within the frame. * setting * lighting * costumes * acting style

Setting, lighting, costume

Setting, lighting, costume, acting style.

Mise en Scene Try and list 5 of the main locations Overall the setting of the film is quite severe and uncluttered and is dominated by people and symbolic locations. Try and list 5 of the main locations

It uses only 10 sets/locations and the main ones are: the Gattaca complex, the navigation lab, the space centre, Jerome’s apartment, Irene’s house and the police centre. They are all bare, functional spaces with smooth polished floors, bare walls, glass, vast airy interiors which provide an overall atmosphere of modernism and minimalism. This all adds to the premise of the film – that of a society based on the principles of ‘perfection’.

Eugene’s apartment This is a good example of the ‘modernist’ style. The staircase is a grand architectural feature and suggests wealth and taste. The circular staircase is an important symbol and evokes a number of connotations – most significantly, it has the shape of a double helix (the DNA pattern). This continually links to the theme of genetics

Lighting The ‘palette’ of the film is primarily green and blue/grey. It is visually cold and this is deliberate and reflects the sterile environment Niccol and his cinematographer wanted to show the idea that, in its desire to be ‘perfect’ society has squeezed all humanity out.

Lighting Floods of green in the film show threat or tension Murky colours of brown contribute to the ‘noir’ sequences – the alleyway, the sequence when Vincent punches the guard In contrast there are scenes which are bathed in golden light – e.g. when Vincent’s ambition of going to space is revealed, Vincent and Irene’s intimacy Why might gold be used for these scenes?

Sound Two main kinds of sound heard in film: Sound effects: all the sounds made in the “world” of the film that help create realism. Music soundtrack: contributes significantly to the mood of a film.

Sound The close up opening scene of falling hairs and skin arouse curiosity (what is happening?) and the soundtrack matches the falling objects with booming sounds Key theme – the importance of body parts in a world dedicated to genetic perfection. Dialogue is extremely important in this film and key themes are found in speeches.

Sound The film uses ‘voice over’ narration – it clarifies and co-ordinates the narratives as huge time jumps are involved, linked only by the voice over. The confessional voice tells all about Jerome Morrow and then drops the bombshell: “I am not Jerome Morrow” Music – the orchestral music sets a sombre and reflective tone Sounds effects – e.g. Vincent crossing the road and the sound of the cars. Why would the director emphasise these sounds?

Cinematography Involves all aspects of the use of the camera to film the action. Camera focus, distance, angle, movement. * Camera Focus: draws the audiences attention to particular characters, or can place equal attention on characters and their setting.

Only a particular “zone” of focus (depth of field) Everything in the frame is in equal focus

Cinematography What do the extreme close ups focus on in the opening sequence? Finger nails Skin Urine Blood Vacuuming the keyboard for skin particles Fingerprint ID entering Gattaca Corp. Eye lashes Hair Finger tips  The only people who are focused on in close ups are Jerome, Doctor Lamar and Irene. Within the corporation there are few people who are shown to be individuals.  

Cinematography * Camera distance: close up, medium shot, long shot etc. * Camera angle: high or low. Audience looks up at – or down on – the action. * Camera movement: panning, tilting, tracking. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1japIhKU9I

Cinematography Much of Gattaca is filmed using the horizontal angle (at eye-level) to create empathy with the characters. Vertical angle – There is a shot of Vincent looking Down on Jerome from the top of the stairs. Jerome appears small and lonely.

Editing Is the process of determining the length and sequence of shots in a film. Tension and excitement can be generated by brief shots and frequent cuts. A more reflective scene would use longer shots Editing also involves deciding which shots will be included in the film and which shots will end up on the “cutting room floor.”

Motifs Motifs are recurrent visual or audio aspects of a film which have thematic meaning. Vincent cleaning himself (of skin and hair) Urine and blood samples Hair, Skin Stairs Water and swimming Why do you think each of these things are used?

Swimming Why is this an important theme in the film?