The following sequence, consisting of six stills, was taken from Sin City. Each shot has been taken at a different camera angle, while showing a range of distances at the same time. It is particulary interesting how such a short sequence can show so much variation! This technique makes the whole scene more tense and exciting, with every part revealing something new to the audience.
The low key lighting creates a more sinister atmosphere and adds to the mystery of the scene. Below, I have analysed each still, explaining camera movement, distance and why this is significant.


Shot 1 is a Medium Close-up at an extreme high angle, as we see the character from above. Low key lighting casts slight shadows, making the subject seem menacing. Eyes are slightly averted, giving the impression that there is a second character - likely to be who the gun is pointed at. The character appears to be smirking at this point, an looks as though he may be 'mocking' the second character. He is obviously not scared or tense, making it likely that he is the antagonist.
Costume consists of a black suit, which is typical in classic gangster films. The audience can now probably establish the genre. However, there is still ambiguity within the shot as the setting is not made clear yet.

Shot 2 establishes the setting. The audience can now see that the scene is taking place on a bridge. This is a long, crane shot. Possibly having zoomed out from shot 1. There is now a second character in the shot, however he remains mysterious to the audience, as his face is hidden. His costume strengthens the sense of mystery, with the long overcoat, which is typical for making a character seem threatening or dangerous. The new character's stance suggests that he is more powerful and may be heroic. He has his gun pointed towards the first character, who is now lying next to splatter of blood, revealing that he has just been shot.

Shot 3 is an extreme long shot and reveals more of the setting as well giving a wider perspective of the action within the scene. It is now easy to tell that the setting is on a dock, as warehouses are visible. It is night time and the place is deserted, creating an uneasy and frightening atmosphere.

A third and fourth character are now visible, but it is not made clear who they are,due to the distance and side-ways view of the scene. However, the second character is now central in the frame, establishing his importance. The man overlooking the situation also has a confident and powerful stance, and looks as though he is there to help the second character.
Also, just off the centre of the frame, a young girl tied to a pole is visible. It remains ambiguous as to whether she is being kidnapped or saved, at this point in the sequence.

Shot 4 is only very slightly zoomed in from 3. It is a long shot. Here, the central character is made to look very dominating and threatening (coat blowing in the wind for extra dramatic tension), probably just about to pull the trigger on his gun.
Character one now appears to have his hands up and could be begging for mercy, seeming very vul nerable and trapped on the dock with water either side of him.

Shot 5 is an close up of the young girl. This is the first time that we can actually see a character's face, and to be able to see her emotion makes the audience sympathise with her, and feel more involved in the sequence.

The low key lighting casts dark shadows on her face, emphasising the way she is feeling. This is another ambiguous shot, as th audience do not know why she is crying. However, they probably assume that it is because she is witnessing the central character shoot and kill the 'villian' or character one.

Shot 6, the final shot, is almost a conclusion of the sequence. It is presumable that character one has been killed. For the first time, we can see the central character's face, although it is still not clear.
The character who acted as the 'onlooker' has not moved his position, and so seems to be tense. The lighting and atmosphere has also stayed the same, showing no sign that there has been an improvement in the situationg.
This frame looks as though it is within another frame. This is due to the low angle of the camera revealing the area just below the dock, and the buildings on either side of the frame.