Representation tv show essay

Sherlock Holmes 

Assess how the sequence manages the bridge between 'heavy' and 'light' moods.

Focus particularly on finding the main shift in tone. 

Sherlock’s spoken language consists of pointing out that Moriarity is a 'consulting criminal'. Also, he talks of how people could have died from his actions immediately the audiences will identify him as a villain. The fact that Moriarty doesn't see this as dangerous but a 'little game' shows how disconnected he is from reality and emphasises the story convention’s character construction. The disturbing dialogue is linked with dark lighting establishing an ominous atmosphere. There are props that clearly signify violence which include a gun, bombs and lasers all which creates a thriller and mystery genre convention. A rack focus technique is used on the gun highlighting its importance in the scene and the possibility of death. The buildup of a combination of sound, editing and camerawork gradually shifts the tone in the scene. This being the non-diegetic sound of the heart beating and the blinking effect created by quick cuts along with the point-of-view shots. All of these human attributes are added to the filming technique which helps the audiences watching make it feel like they are experiencing what is happening for themselves.

The fade transition is used to create the first initial shift of mood. The deep sound effect after it gives the impression of doom. The score in the background is fast-paced. A low camera angle is used on Sherlock to make him appear powerful and authoritative with his stern facial expression. He is portrayed to be a hero. This creates the opposing characters dividing them into teams allowing the audiences to pick who they side with.  The camera pans between all three of the actors capturing their thoughts through their reactions. A wide shot is taken of Moriarity smirking despite the possibility of death while close up shots are used to focus on the confused facial expression of Sherlock and Dr Watson causing the audiences to worry. Dr Watson's face is partially hidden behind the curtain suggesting that he is hiding away and is danger. The intensity of the scene is reached when the volume of the music becomes thunderous. 

The second shift of tone happens when the telephone starts ringing and plays 'staying alive' which is ironic. The music is upbeat and causes the mood of the intense scene to shift completely. The fact that so reflects Moriarity's psychotic behaviour. He acts nonchalant reinforcing his view of life as a game. His costume is a well-fitted suit giving the impression that it is expensive, therefore, this connotes he is a successful and wealthy person. He appears powerful and this implies his position as a boss 'calling the shots' which is evident in his dialogue. He talks of skinning people alive and making them 'into shoes'. These emphases the themes of torture and danger. He threatens Sherlock saying, "if you don't stop prying, I will burn you.”  His actions compared to Sherlock appear petulant. For example, the sound of his shouting is whiney accompanied by a non-diegetic rumbling sound establishing the atmosphere of danger. The iconography of the sign written in red capital letters 'DEEP END' behind Moriarity is an important warning. It presents the metaphorical image of a scale indicating the extent of danger that is caused by him.

Continuity editing is used throughout the clip to create a sense of reality and time moving forward keeping the audiences on their toes. The bridge between 'heavy' and 'light' moods is contrasted with one another in terms of an aspect of camera work through an establishing shot showing where the scene is set. The camera captures the setting of the pool at the beginning and the end of the clip. The pool, a place of recreational activity, is being contrasted with the narrative structure. Again, this is ironic.