Deconstruction of Camera Angles in Arresting Ana

For our final coursework, we have decided to create a film about eating disorders.

Therefore, I have decided to research into the camera angles used in the trailer of a film that discusses the same issue.

The trailer conforms to conventions of the social realist genre, as it begins with a wide establishing, panning shot of the city skyline of Paris. Location is an important aspect of this genre, and so this shot aims to establish the setting. The use of an iconic landmark is typical for these shots, as they allow the viewer to more easily identify the location.

 Following this, there is then a high angle wide shot of the city, though this time it is portrayed in a more 'gritty' light. The high angle makes the audience feel superior, and emphasises the cramped space, which conforms to conventions of the genre as this shows a realistic view of the city that contrasts the original shot.

The trailer then cuts to another high angle of a fairly busy street, which makes the people shown on the screen seem vulnerable as it places the audience above them, so we are literally and metaphorically looking down on them.

 In this scene, a low angle close up shot is used to make the audience feel intimidated, anchored by the use of mise-en-scene in the gargoyle statue presented. This sets the tone of the film, connoting that it is dark and unpleasant.

A series of shots follow this, the first two of which imitate the hand-held style which is typical of documentaries. Social realist films often borrow techniques used from documentaries, and this is further shown in the shots where we see 'characters' talking directly to the camera as though they are being interviewed, as shown below.

Additionally, the trailer further uses shots of computer screens, which makes the audience feel more involved as it seems as though it is their own computer screen they are looking at. This further 

reinforces the sense of realism that is a major aspect of the genre. 

Evaluation
From this deconstruction, we can further see the types of shots we should aim to use in our teaser trailer. For example, we could also employ the technique of shooting a computer screen as though it is what the audience are seeing themselves, rather than relative to the protagonist.