5. Discuss how far the ‘look’ created by cinematography and editing contributes to the impact of the films you have studied for this topic.

I think the look created by cinematography and editing used in films greatly impacts how the audience sees them. In the opening scene of Chunking Express we see smudge motion used. An original cinematography technique Wan Kar Wai created for the film. This creates a disorientating effect for the viewer of the film. It puts them in the perspective of the characters in the film and sets up the feeling and setting of it. This is because Hong Kong was in a confusion time when this film was made and set. This was 3 years before going under Chinese rule this is represented by the Cinematic techniques used with being hard to see what is happening and what is going to happen.

In cafe scene the mise en scene of the Coca Cola logo shows the western influence on Hong Kong and the capitalist values that they felt they would lose when under Chinese rule. This made clear to the audience by having it be lit in bright neon so it is noticeable in the background of a mid shot to the audience. Small Neon lights are used throughout  the film to give it both an original and urban look.

In the bar scene we see the cinematography of the proximity between characters is important as the two shot shows 223 and the Woman's failing relationship having a small distance between them. 223 mentions this himself. The mise en scene of the woman's clothing with the make-up, blond wig and sunglasses shows her as western inspired and similar to a Film Noir character. Giving the audience the impression of what sort of character she is.

La Haine uses much less cinematic techniques using more verisimilitude giving it more of a realistic  look. This is done so audience can listen to the message more given it is close to reality. This is done through hand held cameras in the street scene as well as it being coloured in Black and White this gives it a historical documentary look.

The one scene that doesn't do this is Vinz's dream sequence which is purposely made different from the rest of the film with the large empty wide shot and non diegetic music. This contrasts the verisimilitude used in the rest of the film. This is done so when he wakes up we are brought more into reality.

In the park scene we also see differences in conseved reality with the editing.the film cuts between two different shots of Vinz speaking. With the wide shot of all the characters representing what is really happening and the close up shot of Vinz representing what the media show. The high angle shot shows how the people look down on the people in the projects and the park enclose looking like an animal inclosure showing how they were treated.

In City of God we see the colour is overly exposed to show the harsh nature of the Favelas and the environment they are in. The non linear editing in the opening shows a documentary style
so they can learn Rocket's story from a first person perspective. It also shows contrast for different periods of time.

In the party scene we the cinematgraphy of a two shot to show the conflicting ideals of two characters, Benny and Lil Ze. There is more shadow around Lil Ze showing him more of a morally corrupt character while the mise en scene of Benny's clothing is more light colours and his hair is dyed blonde.

In conclusion think the look created by cinematography and editing contributes to the impact of the films as they create the film itself and make it unique, meaningful and interesting for the audience but they are not the only things that contribute to the look of the film. The mise en scene also changes how a film looks. The story and character are also important to consider as that is what the audience are meant to follow. The context is also important as you may not appritiate a lot of the visual without understand them.