Unit 1: Creating meaning in Attack The Block

Attack The Block - Opening Scene

Mise En Scene
The opening scene of the film is set in primarily darkness to create more fear and mystery from the viewers. The connotations of darkness depict danger and an uneasy feeling as the visuals aren't clear so the viewer feels unsafe.
Blue lighting is used to create a blue hue over the screen throughout the film and can also be scene in the opening scene. This technique is used in many sci-fi films as it creates an otherworldly feeling for the viewer.

Camera
The first shot of Attack The Block is an extreme wide angle of the stars to establish the sci-fi genre. From here, a crane shot pans the view down to an establishing shot of London to introduce the setting of the film.
At the meeting of Mosis, there is an establishing shot of the gang, which builds tension as Sam is out numbered, and then there is an extreme close up of him. The close up shot creates an uneasy feeling for the viewer as it establishes his power along with the low angle shot which makes the viewer look to him, giving him dominance.

Sound
Tension is build from the outset of the film through music which is not only suspenseful, but mirrors the sci-fi genre. The music builds in volume and tempo as the gang begins to close in on Sam which builds suspense and leaves the viewers fearful for their next move.
The non-dietetic sound used includes sound effects of the pocket knife when Moses pulls it out of his pocket. The shocking sounds shocks the viewer and draws attention to the danger of the situation Sam is in.

Editing
As Mosis crawls into the car, he is quickly and unpleasantly greeted by the alien. This is met with fast paced editing so viewers can'y properly see or understand what is attacking him. This creates a sense of mystery and suspense as the tension of what this strange creature is can be built up throughout the film.
Special effects are used to create the alien and depict a mysterious and unfamiliar being. These effects make the visuals more realistic and believable for the viewer and, therefore, the danger that the gang is in is heightened.