Fallout Analysis

"How is age being represented in this clip from Fallout?"

Discuss with reference to: camera work, editing,

sound and mise-en-scene.

In this extract from 'Fallout' there are various characteristics that distinguish the elder

generations from the youth. One defining characteristic of the youth is that of

competitiveness, on varying levels, from something light hearted and playful to a more

serious moment or activity. In the opening scene where we see a group of teenage

boys playing basketball, shot by a handheld camera it follows the action of the clip in

a jerking, ragged motion. This creates a sense of urgency as it captures the fierce

game between the boys, enhancing the sense of competition by making the audience

feel as though they are present and involved. A long shot is used here so that we can

also witness all movement between the players and follow the game closely. The

actions of the players also coincides with this as they can be seen practicing and using

advanced, fancy ball tricks. Here close ups are used to focus attention on this, once

again installing a moment of competitive nature between the young boys. Competition

is later created through dialogue when the boy that had been playing basketball is on

the phone to who we assume is his girlfriend. He tells her that he loves her and despite

the conversation being one of banter, there is a competitive essence applied as the boy

says "I love you" and "so say it back", these statements are challenging and his tone

becomes increasingly more confident and lower, turning the conversation into a

competition by which one must prove their love above the other. In all instances where

we can see competition, it is apparent that each time it has been created at the hands

of a male character. This suggests to audiences a link between males and a competitive

nature.

This competitive label placed upon the youth turns later to one of violence and

aggressiveness. They are portrayed in a negative yet cliche way, as many audiences

expect the youth to be violent, loud and aggressive and this portrayal meets these

expectations. We are first introduced to a group of other boys outside a shop, pushing

and shoving each other, a long shot is used here in order for the audience to be able

to see the violent body language being exchanged. Camera angle is also key in this

portrayal of aggressiveness, an example of this can be seen when we witness three

boys squaring up to one boy who is on his own. A high angle over the shoulder shot

raises the audience and characters above the lone boy, creating a sense of intimidation

and entrapment. Mise en scene adds subtle connotations that coincide with the

aggressive behavior of the boys. The character that appears as a 'ringleader' to the

group of boys is dressed completely in dark shades of red, signaling violence and

danger to the audience as the colour red is usually linked to anger, violence,

danger and sometimes blood. In combination with the mise en scene and camera

angles here, editing is also used to present the age in question in a negative light, the

scene in which the group of aggressive youths is confronting the lone boy is a perfect

example by which we can see this through the cutting between clips. The cuts begin

slowly, taking time to move from one shot to another, allowing the audience to view the

clip leisurely, in their own time. Gradually the cutting begins to increase in tempo as the

action of the shot becomes more dramatic, reaching a peak as the gang of boys begin

to chase the lone youth. The fast cuts unite with the fast movements of the characters

as they turn and run along the street making the shots sharp and violent relating to

their violent nature and presentation. As a result of these techniques the youth are here,

represented in the aggressive and intimidating way intended.

Despite the negative presentations of the youth in this clip. there are moments

in which there is a contrasting representation present.