Scene runs from 1:38 to 7:20
This particular scene from Mr Robot, is in my opinion a brilliant example of the potential impact that bold choices in camera coverage can have on the meaning and intent of a scene. Many of the choices of framing are highly non-standard, particularly in regards to the filmmakers rejection of framing on thirds. The scene is almost entirely framed in a non-standard manner, yet the intention of the filmmakers is entirely evident nonetheless. Every shot carries with it strong implications of power dynamics between the characters in play.
From the opening shot we see protagonist Elliot walking down a long and dark hallway, which opens out into a large windowed boardroom. This single shot carries clear implications for Elliot’s journey through the show thus far. Up to this point he has operated largely in the shadows, with a clear goal of taking down the faceless elite he believes is in control of the world. So as we see in this opening shot, Elliot emerges from this hallway (representing the tunnel vision he had towards his goal) into the bright boardroom where he is exposed and uncomfortable. The figures in the boardroom at first remain out of focus, faceless as Elliot has seen them up to this point. We then see Elliot walk from a MCU into a close-up, his eyes darting around the room, avoiding eye contact. We then cut to his POV, which shows the camera scanning the room, still avoiding the gaze of the faceless elites. When we come back to the close-up of Elliot his eyes finally rest as antagonist Tyrell comes into focus – Elliot finally has a face for the ‘evil’ he has been combatting. Following this the camera performs a dolly zoom, revealing more of the room and symbolising Elliot’s understanding of his enemy beginning to expand. We then come to a wide shot, revealing the spatial relationship of the figures within the scene and highlighting the uneven odds that Elliot finds himself up against.
As the scene progresses into Tyrell’s monologue and the subsequent exchange he has with Elliot, the filmmakers again make some really clear choices in regards to framing which highlight the power dynamic of the scene. The important element at play here is the positioning of each character in frame. When the camera is looking at Tyrell, he is positioned with a great deal of space to either side of him and above him. Where traditionally positioning a character small within the frame like this may be used to signify that character’s lack of power – here it does the opposite. What the framing is showing here is that Tyrell has room to manoeuvre, he isn’t boxed into a corner and is framed with a window overlooking a city behind him – he literally has all the space in the world. On the contrary Elliot is framed with a wall directly behind him – his back is literally up against the wall, showing his vulnerability and lack of comfort. One of the shots also frames him to the edge of the frame – backed into a corner. This effect only compounds even further when Tyrell stands up face to face with him, literally trapping him there. Clearly this scene is absolutely oozing with meaning derived from its choices in coverage, but seeing as I’ve hit the word count, I’ll leave it there!