Analysing A Scene

I decided to analyse this scene in Pulp Fiction, which is where Jules and Vincent are speaking to Brett. Firstly, the scene is established by a long shot, which shows the whole room along with the people inside it (apart from Vincent).

Long Shot

In this shot Jules is stood up, and symbolises power which is shown by his relaxed but intense body language, and size in the frame. The three other young men are all below Jules's line of vision, either lying/sat down, or stood back. This shot lasts 25 seconds before changing to a close up of Jules, which is a fairly long time.

Close Up (Tracking)

This shot raises the tension as it changes to this just after he shoots his gun. You can see Jules's expression in detail and the audience can tell that he is a bold character.

Mid Shot

 It quickly changes to this mid shot, which shows the fear experienced by Brett, and his reaction to Jules's actions. It also keeps focus on the food on the table, as it is a significant part of the scene.

Close Up (Tracking)

The shot returns to this close up, and it follows Jules as he walks around Brett, further raising the tension and giving the audience a sense of what the guy in the chair is seeing.

Close Up

The shot shows Brett again but this time in a close up and his expression can be seen changing as he becomes more anxious and fearful.

Close Up (Tracking)

The shot follows Jules in a close up again, but this time he stops moving towards the end of the shot and he leans further into the camera. This builds the tension more.

Close Up

The camera returns to Brett and the audience are really shown his panicked attitude and he is stuttering. The alternating shots have also helped to build up tension to this point where it is peaking, making the whole audience feel tense and as if something is about to happen.

Mid shot, showing Jules and Brett from behind

 Finally, the pent up tension is released and Jules throws the table across the room, first shown by this mid shot which shows Bretts fearful body language. The action is connoted further as this shot lasts for under a second before changing to a long shot to show the effects on the environment.

Long Shot showing the aftermath of the tension build up