Enemy of the state - Tension editing

1. What is the point of this sequence? Describe briefly how tension is created through the editing.
    The main point of this sequence is to create tension in this part of the film. It is done effectively to create the connection between the two men in the warehouse and the men outside. There is more than one close up of the men holding a gun, which also adds to the tension and makes the viewers want to know what will happen. The quick cuts from one setting to another (the two men in doors and the men outside) also creates tension which is down to the editing.

2. Look at the use of CU or Medium CU. Why are they primarily used here? Refer to specific shots (screengrab them) and embed them within your post.
The close ups and medium close ups are primarily used to show the facial reactions of the characters and how they are feeling in terms of their emotions. The effectiveness of this shot is the fact that the camera is filming behind the rail, which creates the effect of privacy and makes the audience feel as though they are peeping through a prohibitted area. Likewise the lighting and the overall darkness of this shot adds to this idea and conveys a sense of cynicism. The facial expressions of the man further portrays the seriousness of the scene. It is also important to notice the position of the light source in the background which clearly appears against the dominant dark background creating a contrast that supplements the mysterious aura created.
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) add to the meaning.
There is a high angle shot of the two men outside walking towards the stairs, wearing dark clothing and looking ambiguous. The men are in possession of suitcases which look out of place for the scene and instantly makes the audience think there is something both suspicious and unusual about the presence of these men. This begins the feeling of suspense. This scene is directly followed by a close up of the older man seated indoors, in the middle of speaking hesitantly whilst turning his head back to communicate making the audience anticipate that the men outside may be out to get the men inside. The effect of this scene is the difference in motion, for example the fast paced moving men outside compared to the men that appear unaware and unprepared about the outside leading the audience to feel almost sympathetic about these men. When filming the men inside, the camera positioning is behind a fence, possibly to mark the idea that the audeince are intruding someones territory. This is compounded by the dim lit room, connotating privacy and secrecy. Alternatively the effect of this shot could be to imply that the men are being watched as targets and are ultimately trapped indoors, which coresponds with the previous scene of the men outdoors suspiciously breaking indoors. After this shot, there is a close up of Will Smith, with a number of wires and cables between Will and the camera. Similar to the fence before the old man, the wires in front of Will are used as obstacles that give the audience a sense of eavesdropping and peeping into a confidential encounter. The subsequent switching of shots between Will and the old man in addition to their troubled, anxious expressions clearly denotes that the two are deeply conversing. The next shot is a clear medium shot of the two taken from a different angle (from their side) without the fence and cables blocking the shot. Apart from the lamp in the background, there is minimal lighting on the two which prevents the audience from clearly viewing their expressions, particulalry their eyes adding to the thriller and ambiguity sensation. The following shot is returned to the close up of the older man behind a fence; he appears concerned and serious whilst talking as he constantly turns back to face Will. A quick cut to an extreme close up of the older man pressing a button on the computer is followed by another close up of Will Smiths facial expressions which is in direct keeping with the content of the mans worrying talk. Therefore the audience may grasp the idea that the older man is informing Will of a part perplexing, part problematic issue that Will is unaware of and this is self-evident from their facial gazes and Wills bewildered expressions. The use of having the extreme close up of the computer button may be to remind the audience that the old man is doing something important on the computer that we as the audience are unsure of and within the context of this private scene, makes us curious to find out what he's so hastily occupied with on the computer. The shot of Will is the same as the previous shot of him blocked by the cables adding to the meaning of the sequence. The camera then cuts back to the scene with the men outside running towards a building. This continues to build up suspense and tension as we wonder what they are
4. How far does the editing of this sequence fit in with the genre of the thriller? Justify your opinion.
The editing of this sequence fits in rather well with the thriller genre because of the soundtrack in the scene of the men outside. The tone of voice also helps as it does not sound excited and is a sort of serious tone of voice. Also the editing from one setting/scenario to another also adds to the thriller effect. Overall, the editing of this sequence fits in well with the thriller genre of the film.