Rush Hour Scene Analysis

In the chosen scene, the two protagonists are engaged in conversation. The scene starts with a long shot of the two characters and forms into a medium close up as they approach the camera. Lee is positioned closer to the camera while Carter follows along, attempting to convince him. The camera follows the two until Carter turns to face Lee, stopping his tracks.

In the next shot, an over-the-shoulder shot is used to frame Carter as he begins his reasoning. Mid-way, a medium close up of Lee shows us his reaction to Carters speech. Another cut brings us back to Carter as he finishes. Lee’s speech, however, is filmed in one length, and is also an over-the-shoulder shot. These shots continue back and forth until Carter turns and exits to the right.

The simplicity of the camera coverage reinforces the dialogue in this scene. The hand held camera movement at the beginning puts us in Carter’s perspective, as if we’re chasing after Lee. Halting the camera movement, enables Carter Lee’s full attention and likewise, the audience. Using medium close up shots throughout highlights the actors’ facial expression.

 

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