Chase Scene Independent Study

The Adjustment Bureau

In this textual analysis, the example under scrutiny is a chase scene portraying two individuals, a man and a woman, running from a group of men. This scene demonstrates the strategies and effects that chase scenes utilize in order to convey an underlying theme or emotion to the audience. The film in question provides an excellent example of a chase scene including a portal that leads to a different place and including obstacles for the characters.

                  An important question to answer when considering any chase scene is who is being chased and who is doing the chasing. The audience’s reactions and emotions shift drastically if the protagonist is the one being chased as opposed to the one doing the chasing. In this case, our protagonists and who we are voting for, are being chased and so there is an element of fear. Another important question to address in any film analysis is that of the audience. The very concept of a chase scene can vary dramatically in tone due to the genre of the film, which is closely intertwined with the audience. This chase scene is intense, with tension created through the lighting and the music, which lends the conclusion of the film being a thriller. This conclusion is reiterated by the conflict with the female lead, as she faces emotional obstacles in the midst of the scene. The chase scene itself allows the audience to categorize the film in the action genre as well. The chase scene is fast paced, and there is the feeling of an impending threat.

                  The construction of the chase scene is dominated by quick clips and an intense non-diegetic music that adds to the tension of the scene.  The editing adds to the rushed sense that the characters portray. In the scene where he consoles her on the street, the commotion in the background, which is an example of diegetic sound, adds to the suspense. Some of this scene is shot over-the-shoulder. There is also the emergence of the Adjustment Bureau workers from the underground staircase which is an example of a portal and their emergence from below increases the sense of wrong associated with them. Also, the villains are all impeccably dressed in suits and hats. In some ways, this plays on societal stereotypes of governmental figures such as the CIA and a certain sense of fear tied to the mystery surrounding them. Regarding camera angles, there are a variety used but notably the eye level shot that is also a Dolly as the two protagonist are running down the street. As the couple step off of the city street and onto the grass at Liberty Island, there is a drastic shift in color, as the street scene had been dominated by gray, and the island has a breadth of green area. Stepping onto the island, they utilize an over the shoulder shot and then a worm’s eye view shot before focusing on the female protagonist in a bird’s eye view shot. This angle demonstrates how at a loss this character is in regards to the situation. It can also be considered a reaction shot. It is only on the island that he stops to explain and so the lessened intensity in this location is important to the pacing of the scene.

                  The film can be categorized into a variety of genres, and because of this, it has a broad audience. Both of the protagonists are middle-aged, which limits its attraction to children as well as young adults. However, the element of romance and drama attracts women and the  sci-fi and thriller elements can attract men. The film is inclusive in regards to interests of various genders and interests, but has narrowed the target audience with its older cast. The audience is engaged throughout the film due to its fast-paced, enticing nature. Its mixture of romantic as well as action scenes continue to interest its broad target audience.

                  This film was written, directed, and produced by George Nolfi and Matt Damon stars as the male lead. Nolfi’s emotional attachment to the film could stem from the script, as it is the only film for which he has directed. The film poses a multitude of philosophical questions including those about a higher power and fate. The film therefore holds a degree of religious themes but also raises questions about freewill. An interesting parallel that can be drawn is to The Matrix due to the questions of freewill and philosophical provocations. There are a variety of movies that raise similar questions and therefore, this movie is part of a tradition of movies such as The Matrix.In addition, Nolfi had written for films in the past, numerous of which star Matt Damon. Another note about Nolfi is his history of writing for action films, as almost all of the films for which he has written have contained some component of action.