The Bridge Analysis

https://youtu.be/WuLewX5MjMQ

The Bridge (Otherwise known as ‘Bron/Broen’) - Nordic Noir analysis

Genre - Nordic Noir/Drama/Crime

Editing - Superimpose editing is used once within the clip. The audience will see both the bridge and the cars movement simultaneously. This increases the amount if information visible to the viewer in one shot. Its as if you are watching two shots happen concurrently. 

The main use of editing in the clip is named continuity editing. This means the clip is presented in chronological order to emphasise the real-time movement of the narrative. This also adds to the verisimilitude of the clip itself. It also makes the viewer possibly feel on edge knowing the tense experiences seen in the clip could happen in their everyday life.

The use of cuts within the clip allow us to gather the characters surroundings. As we first see the bridge itself, then the car, it is made clear using the cut that the character is in the car that's crossing bridge we first saw. 

Sound - Little dialogue is used within the two minute clip. Non diegetic sound is used during the clip. The music is considerably calming which juxtaposes the building tension of the clip itself. This can disorientate the viewer which suggests this editing technique is used to confuse those watching. 

The first sound effect is the noise of a phone ringing. The mobile phone isn't in sight when it begins to ring meaning it comes to a shock to the audience. It is the only sound effect used within the clip except from the faint sound used to as the car engine starts. These two sound effects are subtle and relatable. There is no confusion when identifying where the sounds are coming from which again adds to the verisimilitude of the clip. As a viewer, we are able to empathise with the character as it is easy to place ourselves in her circumstance.

I would argue that the music playing as the scene unfolds in contrapuntal. It seems strange in comparison to the serious scene that is presented. Its calming sound fails to match the scene which could leave the audience disorientated. 

Camera - The beginning of the clip uses long takes that last a substantial amount of time. This builds tension. It infers there will be an abrupt shot to come within the clip. The clip begins with an establishing shot to notify the viewer of where the scene will take place. This adds context which could be deemed important when viewing the rest of the clip. 

Ariel shots are key to the clip. They emphasise the spectacle - that being the bridge. A crane shot would have been necessary to achieve this. 

As the female character is standing on the bridge, a range of shots are used;

• Low-angle shot - as the camera approaches the subject (female character) from below eye level, it emphasises her power. However, this juxtaposes to the vulnerability that can be seen through her facial expression.
• Mid-shot - The mid shot allows us to view the characters outfit which suggest her personality. It is also shot from behind to address her location. 
• Zoom in - as the camera zooms slightly in towards the protagonists face, it symbolises her importance within the scene and the show.

Mis-en-scene - The low key lighting used is dark and mellow. This corresponds to the genre of Nordic Noir. This additionally emphasises the tension within the clip. 

The female is wearing clothing that consist of neutral shades, This suggests she is possibly just as well as a pacifist. The clothing could be viewed as unisex. She isn't wearing clothing that women are typically thought to be dressed in. For example, dresses or skirts. 

The location used is presented to be industrial due to the establishing shot of the modern bridge. The scenery is rather minimalistic with few cars crossing the bridge at once. This creates a sense of abandonment which could imply further storylines. 

Facial expressions used are those of deep thought and fear. As the woman stands upon the bridge, she looks worriedly into the distance. This leads to certain inferences being made in regards to the plot. We could suggest her fearful expressions are due to either circumstances we know of or future plot lines the audience are still not aware of. 

Representation - Within the clip, we can infer that the female character is the main protagonist of the series or episode. In most crime genre texts, there is a male protagonist. Placing a woman in the higher position is a way of breaking stereotypes. For example, many women within media texts are often used as a spectacle. By giving the female character in the clip an identity, you are readdressing her importance not only within the clip itself but in society.

However, the female character isn't represented to be aware of her role as important. This suggests she doesn't view her status to be abnormal but deserved. This symbolic use of normality produces the message that placing a woman in a central role shouldn't be surprising.