Heroes Cheerleader Scene

Watching the Heroes programme was a first for me, but it gave me an in-sight to the techniques in which they use, and how actually, they are really effective. Though it is hard with Dramas to notice the effects of their camera shots, some were reasonably easy to figure.

For instance, at the opening of the scene, many camera shots were used together; Tracking/tilt/pan/focus, these were used to follow the movements of the character, and show how he Is somewhat confused/spaced out, as around him it is blurry. It then focuses onto the picture which it looks like he has painted, then going to the next scene with that character, so you begin to see that he then has some importance, almost him painting future events.

Tracking is used to follow the movement of a character, set behind him so that you can almost feel like you are there following him. It then zooms onto the cheerleader which he begins to look towards. This signifies that they have some connection between each other, and also that she is an important character.

There are several shots which jump, for instance close-ups, which were used to show their reactions to what others say, and their emotions, which from the scene are anger, and some sadness.

Close-ups of the car’s gear stick, the speedometer and the wheels have been used, to show how the car is in charge of the next set of events, and it’s importance in this scene.

Before the end, it shows a close-up of the cheerleader’s face, expressing her anger to what the man in the car has said, it then jumps to a long/reverse shot, to show the crash and impact of it.

A two shot, from the car’s bonnet has been used to show realism, and the conversation between each other. A focused profile shot is later used, to show how he is happy that he has upset her, and expressing how he has no regret for what he has done to her.

The use of a high angle long shot was used when they were in the stadium. This was really effective, as it showed how they were isolated, and to show the setting, of a dark stadium, just them two on their own.

I can therefore see that, in Heroes, they use a wide range of camera shots, all with a detailed meaning, which then creates a lot of drama to the viewer. The most effective shots in this scene were the high angle shots, and the close-ups, as they were used a lot, and seemed to be very effective in what their purpose was.