Donnie Darko - Life Line

Mise en Scene

In the clip above, there is a slight comical aspect of the scene. This is because of how vague the task is that Donnie has been set. Furthermore, the placement of the characters make the scene slightly relatable. This is because the teacher is standing away from Donnie (rule of thirds, as two characters at edge of frame rather than centre). The task what has been set emphasises how everyone/everything around Donnie is naive. This makes us feel pathos for Donnie - which is essential for a psychological drama/thriller. This is to heighten the shock for the audience for when our protagonist commits a terrible act which we did not expect.

Another use of Mise en scene, is how the majority of Donnie's classmates are laughing at him and finding his speech about the work comical. This use of alienation, highlights the way Donnie's character is different to any typical teenage boy. The binary opposition of the two types of teenage boy is accentuated because of this use of Mise en scene. 

Camera Shots

In the clip, the two shot represents the reality and the abnormal of the film. The film is split into the conscious and un-conscious mind. Donnie standing by "fear" and the teacher by "love" imply the perspectives of the society the live in. The two shot also conveys the many differences between the two characters. 

The pan in the clip, displays Donnie moving closer to the teacher and show significant frustration. The pan is a successful camera shot to show progression of a scene and a transition of emotions. In this specific scene, Donnie's temper rises quickly and is tested showing the use of a pan. 


Sound

Dialogue - In the clip, from 0:50 - 0:55 Donnie's dialogue increases in volume. As Donnie is shouting in the clip, his dialogue emphasises his anger. By increasing volume within a piece of dialogue, it can accentuate the passion the protagonist feels in the scene.

Quick cut - creating continuity of sound between two events. This is done at 1:04 in the scene. It creates an ongoing scene through sound. It could be interpreted to be a action match through sound (sound match?). In the scene, it creates a sense of impatience for the protagonist. It also displays the authority in his life and how he can become short tempered with this people; he should obey. 

Editing

Quick Cut - In the clip above, a quick cut is present. This cuts from the classroom to the headteachers office. The quick cut connotes how the protagonist is testing authority and therefore is being monitored. It also portrays the binary opposites of how Donnie was shouting and in the centre of the frame to sitting in the distance silently in the headteachers office. 

Shot Reverse Shot - Furthermore, in the scene, a shot reverse shot is present. This takes the audience through a sequence of emotions and characters reactions to what has happened in the scene. A shot reverse shot evidently displays how the protagonist's actions are effecting the other less significant characters in the film.