By: Lilli Trobbiani
I’d like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which I created this project (Wurundjeri land) I pay my respects to their Elders, past and present, and the Aboriginal Elders of other communities who my be present in reading this.
A cinematic road scene is often deeply imbedded in drama films and offers a lot within a scene and is often a space where tension is built, or realisations are made- it’s also a very deliberate choice of scenery shooting within a car that acts as a part of the mise-en-scene. My research project aims to demystify how a car scene is covered and shot within a scene; I’ll also speak on what motivates the director to place talent in a car within a scene. I also outline the various ways a car scene can be shot based on DOP Julia Swaine’s suggestions on how to capture the most appropriate car scene, based on six key positions. When watching films, I always question whether the car scene acts as a bridge to show the commute from one place to another or whether the director has chosen it as a space to set important dialog.
This research project also brings into account the theme of performance within a scene. Coverage is completely indivisible from performance, so it’s important that the actor seems like they are controlling the vehicle otherwise it seems too much like a prop and not a means of transport. The idea of a character being in control and on the go brings on a level of satisfaction for the viewer, they feel as though the character has a duty or level of authority. A lot of the time a car scene may be used to show a form of desperation as well as freedom- like a character driving along a long road on their way to a destination, or as an escape from something.
I hope you enjoy what I have worked on, click the link below: