Enemy of the State questions

1. What is the point of this sequence? Describe briefly how tension is created through the editing.

Tension is created by the short scenes and music in the background. The point of the sequence is to give us an idea of how the government are controlling while we are unaware. It gives us an idea of what the film is about and what ideas are being generated

2. Look at the use of CU or Medium CU. Why are they primarily used here? Refer to specific shots (screengrab them if you can [with Fn Print Screen then Control - V on a PC] and embed them within your post).

This shows the character of Will Smith reacting sadly to something he has just found out. The director has filmed it like this to give us the feeling of depression and reluctance shared with Will Smith.

3. Choose 15-20 seconds from anywhere in the sequence and describe each shot in detail, explaining its effect / function for the audience, as well as commenting on how the cuts (the editing) adds to the meaning.

I chose 0:38-0:46 which is a scene where Will Smith's wife is outraged by what she has just heard on the news relating to the government while Will Smith is much more relaxed about it. But the irony is that he will soon be heavily involved with the government affairs. This gives the audience a slight indication what type of person Will Smith is and also what type of encounters Will Smith will embark.

4. How far does the editing of this sequence fit in with the genre of the thriller? Justify your opinion.

It fits in as it is quite fast paced and builds tension by grabbing out attention to things which we wouldn't expect. However, there aren't many action scenes such as chases or combat which would generally be associated with thrillers.