Film Viewing Practice Essay "Agent Carter"

     To begin with, the film "Agent Carter" is about a woman who defies gender stereotypes to work an office job while also going on secret missions. While discussing camera shots and angles, editing, sound, and mise-en-scene, the film uses these to help the viewers understand the film and components of the characters. 

    The camera shots are used to construct meaning and make emotions. You can see this in close shots, which makes viewers focus on the emotion in the characters face. In Agent Carter specifically it is seen when the woman is trying to communicate with Steve. You can also see establishing shots in the film. These shots help the viewers understand the setting. There is a shot of the Golden Gate Bridge which shows that everything is taking place.

    In the beginning of the film, there are editing strategies right away. There is a clear contrast begin used between Agent Carter and the man on the space ship. The editing is the film going. back and forth between the two shots. This is used to demonstrate the dire situation that the man is in and what is going on with other people at the same time. This could also be seen as simultaneity because both are happing at the same time. This is evident because they are having a conversation while the edit is taking place. There is another clear example of contrast when Agent Carter is at the office and two men go outside to meet her but there is another man inside. The man inside is eating and reading while paying no attention to the events outside. But, the mood is very serious and you can even hear crickets in the background. When the fight breaks out the film goes back and forth between the inside and outside of the office. 

    Another component that plays a big role in this film and many others is sound. There is background music in many scenes. This adds to the mood of the scene and also helps the viewers understand the emotions that are portrayed in the film.  One example is the scene where Agent carter is in the office handing out papers and sees a picture of the man in here desk. This is when the music begins. This shows the seriousness and the emotion she feels when she sees the picture. The music stops when her boss interrupts showing that she stops thinking about the photo and the mood is over. The same music appears again which reestablishes the mood. The film also uses post synchronization dubbing like sound of punches and glass shattering when Carter attacks the two men. The sound portrays the pain she is putting on the two men. The horror sounds create suspense, which is scene when the other man picks up the gun.

     While discussing mis-en-scene, this is mostly scene in this film through the setting. This film has a very detailed and specific setting which helps viewers understand the situation. Te offices and control room that Agent Carter are in show what kind of a person Carter is. The lighting also plays a role in this. It is dark and gloomy which shows seriousness and suspense. The costume shows Agent Carter as a woman who is professional and takes her job very seriously. Agent Carter uses all these elements to show herself as a hardworking woman in the workplace which adds to the value of the film.