Misfits Micro Analysis



Episode found here: http://www.channel4.com/programmes/misfits/4od (analysis time 0:55 - 4:35)

I chose to analyse at the first 5 minutes of series 3, episode 1 of Misfits, focusing on micro features of the opening scene and title sequence, investigating the way in which a programme of this genre uses mise en scene, sound, camerawork, lighting and editing, effectively to create an interesting and gripping opening scene which appeals to the audience.




The scene starts with a blackout and a loud, asynchronous sound of someone banging on a metal door can be heard, followed by an abstract transition which resembles a shutter opening across the screen. A close up of one of the main characters is revealed, his face in focus as the surroundings are blurred, and we get the impression that this is shot as if looking through some kind of keyhole. The setting can be recognised as an abandoned 'garrage' area and this, along with the peephole effect, create a sense of secrecy and evoke curiosity from the audience within the first few seconds of watching.

The scene then cuts to a futuristic, modern office location. There is low-key lighting and minimal props- again creating a sense of mystery as well as adding a supernatural, sci-fi look, which is a typical convention of this genre. The camera pans upwards revealing a smartly dressed man who the audience presumes to be the 'cool, mysterious power guy' who the previous character,Rudy, was asking for. This hints at the narrative and gives insight into future scenes. A contrast in character and performance is shown when the scene cuts to the Rudy again, now waiting in a similarly dark room-his body language suggesting he is nervous and uncomfortable. Whereas the other man is wearing a suit, Rudy is dressed far more casually and fairly scruffy looking, indicating he is socially inferior and automatically presents a difference in status between characters.

Action scene:
The opening scene picks up pace in the commencing chase scene, which builds tension in the audience in a number of ways. Firstly, energetic non-diegetic music highlights the sudden action as the main character bursts out of the door he entered. It is fast paced and loud to correspond to the urgency of the chase (with and unknown second person- imposing curiosity). Synchronous sounds are used to add a realistic qualities, including a car horn and the sound of the doors banging.  During this action scene, the camera is handheld, resulting in a more rough effect and adds a 'raw' more realistic quality. The camera tracks-following the man as he sprints, which again emphasises the fastness and urgency of the outburst. Also, the cuts become more fast paced to create excitement and portray the chaos felt by the characters, compared to the previous slow paced editing which was used to create a more eerie atmosphere. High and low angles are featured when the characters are running up/ down the staircase, acting as point of view shots and therefore making the audience feel personally involved in the action of the scene.

During this chase, the audience grasps a better view of the location of the programme, which is an urban, fairly derelict area of a city, decorated with graffiti and vandalism. The natural lighting helps to create a dim atmosphere which  is a fair representation of part of a city where, stereotypically, teenagers on community service might live: a rough area. The dull and lifeless setting will no doubt contrast with the extraordinary events which are set to happen to the characters. A wider location is presented when the camera pans across the landscape from the top of the roof (next scene) this extreme long shot allows the viewer to have a greater idea of the area which Misfits is set in.
The audience gets their first view of the supernatural events in the next scene-where the chase finally stops and they get to the top of a building roof- and it is revealed that the person he was chasing is actually part of himself (each body representing a different part of his personality, so to speak) We also get clearer insight into this character through the two 'bodies' discussing his life and characteristics. The colloquial language and comedic anecdotes suggest that he will be a funny and perhaps dim-witted character used to add humour to the show.

Title Sequence:
The final element I investigated was the theme/ title sequence. It consists of modern, electronic, upbeat music which is catchy and repetitive. This appeals to the target audience as it is current and the type of music used is popular within a young audience. There are vocals within the sequence, the lyrics of which are fairly indistinguishable, which overall creates an edgy, alternative sound-again appealing to the audience's preferences. The colours used are mainly black, white, and grey to correspond with the urban theme and are also very visually striking and recognisable as they contrast with the characters' orange community service costumes which are introduced. The colours are a running theme which can also be noticeably used on the Misfits website, and this helps to establish an identity for the programme.