Donnie Darko - Life Improvement

Mise En Scene

In the scene, Mise en scene is significant to the story line of Donnie Darko. This is done by placing many other students behind Donnie as he speaks into the microphone. The many characters further back in the frame accentuate how Donnie is not like any other student in the film. Furthermore, the students in the back of the frame (slightly blurred) is effective as it takes away their identity and emphasises Donnie's character as being un-alike to the rest of the students.

Additionally, in the scene, the teachers rushing and pulling Donnie off stage creates a sense of urgency and panic in the scene. This could foreshadow what is upcoming in the film and inevitable rushes of chaos in the film. 

Camera Shots

This long shot of the three characters connotes the un-significance of them in the scene. Evidently, the composition of these three, Donnie despises and come across as rose tinted characters. The use of a three shot as well as a long shot creates a sense of a group. This group may symbolise how the majority of characters are in a group and clash with Donnie's actions/thoughts. 

In the scene, another three shot/long shot is displayed. This carries on the point of how the other characters clash with Donnie and how his character represents a outer layer which people seem to disagree with. The teachers reaction being quite predictable to what Donnie is doing represents the film to being where the protagonist is experiencing constant alienation.

Sound

Dialogue - In the clip, the enthusiastic speech from Jim Cunningham highlights the unrealistic views he has on society. This also may connote how Jim's character may be in in denial. Furthermore, Jim says at 4:48 "...you see the fear people?..." This being aimed at Donnie portrays the views people may feel towards Donnie. Additionally, the word "fear" foreshadows what is upcoming in the film and also how inevitable emotions of fear will be evident for Donnie and the audience. 

Non - diegetic Sound - Whilst the clip progresses, there is a subtle sound of deep base music behind the diegetic sound. Perhaps this creates a sense of deep tension. This juxtaposes what is happening in the scene. This is because of how light hearted and bubbly the scene is; but is contrasted due to the heavy deep non diegetic music. 

Foley - at 3:21 The accentuated sound of the microphone implies how the film creates a sense of individuality. Furthermore, in a psychological thriller/drama it is very important to use foley to display the individual's thoughts and un-conscious mind. Additionally, this connotes the potential of how far a character can go; which we might not expect. 

Editing

Time Lapse - In the scene, the footage of Jim Cunningham has been sped up. This could be from Donnie's point of view (perhaps?) Making Jim's character go quick when mentioning a fictional character Frank, puts Donnie into almost a hallucination type of vision. Implies how his abstract mind works.

Jump Cut - In the scene, a jump cut is used at 5:10. This makes the pace of the scene swift and more of a surreal dream than anything. Furthermore, the jump cut is a successful editing technique for a psychological drama/thriller as it gives the film more of a supernatural vibe.