Technical Elements of Film

 Hacksaw Ridge (2016)

War/Drama

I chose this film to comment on a few of the angles, movements, and shots there were shown throughout the movie. This movie is based on the true story of Pfc Desmond T. Doss is an army medic who saved about 75 lives without ever firing a shot. 

To start with at 31:05, We can see an example of a over the shoulder shot of the Superior office and Private Ryker as the Superior officer is asking him why does he have a knife stuck on his foot creating tension, and as can be seen from the Private reaction that he is holding back the pain from the knife stuck on his foot. Over the shoulder shots are usually used for creating connections between the characters in dialogue or to draw the audience's attention to what one character is focusing on.

Next is Shallow focus at 1:00:28, In this shot the foreground is clear while the middle-ground and background are slightly blurred. The shot draws attention to Private Doss emotion as he explains to the court of his why he refuse to carry a weapon, in this scene it highlights Doss resolve and vulnerability while the rest of the world around him fades into the background. The scene can signify the overwhelming environment of the courtroom and the judgement he's under.

For the third technical aspect of the film it will be the crane shot at 1:10:49, In this scene the soldiers can be seen climbing up the cliff, the crane shot moves upward as its mirroring the soldiers movement emphasizing the daunting task ahead of them.  The Crane shot immerses the audience as if they were climbing alongside the soldiers.

   For our fourth one it will be a low angle shot at 1:50:23, In this shot Desmond is seen to be pulling the injured soldiers to safety. Low angle shots typically make a subject appear more powerful/dominant, Given that the subject is Desmond Ross covered dirt and sweat, the low angle shot makes him seem appear larger than life conveying a sense of heroism also shows the situation he is in. 

In addition, during this scene you can also hear the music (sound motif) creating a sense of urgency as he continues to save lives. The audiences may focus on Desmond's courageous act and the life and death stakes of the situation.

For the final one it will be a high angle shot at 2:08:05 ending of the film , In this shot Desmond is being lowered from the ridge, this shot makes him seem like a divine figure, underlining the reverence that the soldiers now have for him. It's a powerful visual that captures his character, the sacrifices he made, and how he is forever changed by the horrors of war.

Hacksaw Ridge is one of my favorite films because of Desmond (Andrew Garfield) character even though he refused to use a rifle, he still wanted to help using his medical expertise. He fought for what he believe in but still wanted to serve his country.