Frankenstein Documentary Analysis

My analysis of Frankenstein documentary. (A2 MEDIA_

Transcript

1. Frankenstein By Lydia jeffery
2. Documentary type  Mixed documentary: This includes observation, interviews , Archive footage and narration. Narration is used throughout this documentary, the narration is used during interviews and also when playing over archaic footage. This means they are very important to the documentary as they are giving factual and important information towards the clip being played. Observation Archive Footage Interview
3. Narrative Structure  This documentary is a closed documentary as all questions are answered and we are left with a outcome/choice by the end of the documentary. It follows a non chronological and non linear structure, meaning the topic’s are slightly random and all mixed up. Finally it is single stranded narrative, as it focus’s on one topic which is Frankenstein.
4. Themes and graphic’s.  Themes of this documentary range from science to unnatural evil, as well as nature, society and horror.  The opening graphic’s follow the theme of horror, with the lightning background having connotations of danger also the different and bold font’s reinforces the different and bold character of Frankenstein. During interviews the name and date is placed in the bottom right hand corner, this is to inform the audience of who they are so there relation to the story is understood, also the date to show the time period it was done. This feature in my opinion is needed and shows relevance. This is also done in a neutral font and colour.
5. Mise‐on‐Scene and Camera work The mise‐en‐scene of the documentary is archive footage (primarily) from the past showing different versions/images of Frankenstein. The use of close‐up birds eyes view on the book, shows that they are looking down at it and showing reflecting on the past as it. This is done in a simple but easily understood way. Also the use of close‐up gives us an opportunity to read the written text however due to writing style is hard to read. The use of Long shot when watching the birth of Frankenstein, which then changes into close up of the last stage if birth is done to show more detail of the act, also to show the set and surroundings before the birth took place. Also the use of close up on the archaic footage of the writing from a dairy is show as a close up this is so we can view the text and try to make out the text and writing of what is being written. The use of props in specific interviews, also the set is done to enforce a professional and realistic interview upon us. For example the backdrop and glass are very high class objects which aren't in your everyday interview, this shows a lot of thought was placed when filming the interview. Also the actor/interviewer wears a suit to show his high class and level of authority on the situation. Throughout several scenes the lighting is low and creates a more dangerous and gloomy atmosphere. The use of dark and negative space during the scenes implies we are meant to feel scared or nervous and imposes a atmosphere and mood upon us when watching.
6. Sound  Non‐Diagetic: There is music played over the interviews which is done to create a more friendly and informal atmosphere although the interviews themselves are slightly formal. This is a subtle form of music as it doesn’t over power the voice of the interview, which is an important factor.  Non‐Diagetic: Another use of sound is the build up of drums during the documentary later on, which is done to create a build up, and create a nervous and unexpected tension. This works as it has direct correlation with the horror scene.
7. Editing  The use of black and white editing done at the very start I interpreted as a flashback, and is shows archaic footage from the past. I think this is the reason for the black and white editing process which I think is also very clear to interpret from the scene.  Another element of black and white editing was during the slavery scene which included cages. I think the use of black and white here is too show negativity and the unfortunate circumstances.