Expressive movement unit 1

In the first EMU, through shot composition together with sound design and editing, a contrast unfolds between two visual spaces. In the course of the unit an imbalance is created between two types of shots. 

The first type of shot is set in the course of the first shots: after Sailor exits left frame and Dane steps towards the right of the frame across from the Lieutenant the frame becomes figuratively balanced. The shot composition is dominated by a clear center. The interplay of the figures’ movements oriented towards the center (the figures related to one another through gestures) and the fixed camera creates the impression of a fixed and closed space.

This frame is followed by two shots that differ greatly. The posture of the figures of both Todd and Hardy mark a turning away from the center of the image, their gazes focus beyond the frame. At the same time, the voices of the Lieutenant and Dane are superimposed on these shots on the acoustic level.

This contrast is repeated over the course of six further shots. Both the act of transgressing the frame is emphasized (by reframings and by the movement of figures into the frame as well as the stability of the frame (close up of Dane and the Lieutenant). With this close up, the voices are brought even more into the acoustic foreground – staging the dominance of this image space in contrast to the “surrounding” shots.