How do the micro-elements create meaning in this film opening?
Hanna (2011), Directed by Joe Wright
In the beginning of Hanna’s opening, we are able to sense a feeling of loneliness within the first few minutes. This was created by a series of scenes of individual animals which symbolises isolation. The use of mise en scene; which in this case is the pale white snow that covers the entire frame emphasizes the emptiness, blank, plainness. This also notifies the audience that the main character “Hanna” lives in an isolated area where there is no help.
We also see different longshots of the icy scenery. This sets the tone and mood of the film, allowing the audience to become more engaged as if they are in the film as well. Moreover, the lack of sound creates a calm atmosphere of the setting, informing the audience that this is an unpolluted place.
This shot creates a sense of suspense due to the fact that a girl suddenly appears in between the shots of wildlife. We are able to notice that the girl is hiding from something as there are trees blocking the camera.
In addition to the suspicious feeling, we can foreshadow a negative event that is about to happen from the change in tone of colour from white; of the animals (swan, polar bear), to a darker tone; being the tree trunks, the deer. Therefore the audience automatically starts to feel the build up of tension straight away. The contrast between dark and light colour may symbolise the sinful and the innocent.
We immediately know that the girl is hiding from the deer because the clip cuts to this shot of the deer from a distance right after the shot of the girl. We also know that this scene is from the girl’s perspective because she turns away from the camera which the cut comes in after.
This scene is when the deer gets shot by the girl’s arrow and is trying to escape for help. However the high angled longshot of the white empty scenery suggests that there is nowhere to escape, nor help. The audience is able to acknowledge the fact that they need to learn to survive on their own in this film. This changes the mood of the set, making the audience feel uncomfortable.
This slightly low angled canted shot emphasizes the collapsed deer. By being literally 'on the ground' with the deer makes the audience feel victimised.
Personalities of main character (Hanna) that I was able to identify from this film opening.
Hanna (Saoirse Ronan)- Brave / Fearless
- Tough
- No mercy
- Mature
- Smart
- Skilled / still learning to hunt
- Able to survive on her own
Good attempt. It thinks there's more to be said regarding the use of editing and exploring the idea of being hunted. Then there's the fact it's a young girl who is the aggressor which is unexpected. What is great is the identification of the isolation of the setting creating a feeling of vulnerability. It's a different way of making the 'prey' feel trapped.
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