Political thriller analysis - 'Vantage Point'

The conventions of a political thriller:

• Threat set against a back drop of a political power struggle
• plots are designed to give political power to someone whilst opponents try to prevent this
• 2 sets of characters - often those set in office, whilst others set in action

Analysing 'Vantage Point'


The immediate shot used is an establishing shot of a landscape of a spanish city, the camera slowly moves around, until it quickly zooms in and focuses on one area, this symbolises to the audience the significance of the location the camera is directing the audience. The camera then uses a variety of short distance shots, such as medium shots and close-up shots in order for the audience to focus on these important images of the audience, flags being waved and authoritative figures being shown on the screen. This enables the audience to acknowledge the environment the movie is set, so that they can have an indepth insight to themes included. There is often the use of an aerial shot which enables the audience to see a wide range of images on the screen. The editing is also helpful to show the pace of the scene. The use of jumpcuts from one scene to another indicates the fast-paced element of the scene, as well as allowing the audience to see both sides of the political argument.

The audience can thoroughly see the hype of the scene through the reactions of the audience and the TV presenter. The camera shots help follow the conventions of a political thriller as the audience can identify that there are two groups of people - those in the office and those involved in the action. This is crucial for the audience to establish in order for the narrative to make sense. Overall, there is effective appearance on the screen, it is very faced-paced that indicates good views of the political event. In comparison to the conventions of a political thriller, the audience can sense the build up of plots designed to give political power, in which opponent try to prevent this.

The use of mise-en-scene, such as the props and costumes especially, sets the scene of the event. The waving of flags in the audience, allows the audience to establish that there are different groups of people, revealing that there is conflict and disagreements. Many people in the audience are filming and taking photos of what they're are seeing, emphasising the significance of the event they are attending. They are many weapons present, including guns held by security - this indicates the high security needed on this day, this would intrigue the audience to want to know more. The news reporter is holding onto a microphone which enables the audience to identify her occupation and adds professionalism. Many of the authority figures are wearing formal clothing such as suits or people from other countries are wearing traditional outfit that represent their race/ethnicity, this could represent a sense of conflict between the two groups. The audience are wearing very ordinary, every day clothes that helps the audience identify that they are very ordinary people.

The sound used in the opening used primarily diegetic noise,which creates atmosphere to the audience. The sound first heard by the audience is the narration of a male news presenter with a very low and serious voice, his accent is american indicating that the location and information is about the american government. The way in which the diologue is presented portrays a sense of seriousness, demonstrating that the film is about a serious topic. Meanwhile, the audience can hear another newsreporter in the background, although her voice is less dominant and less heard, this resembles the conflict between two groups. Examples of other diegetic sound is the continous noise of a large audience clapping, cheering and the sound of helicopters, this creates an atmospheric scene in which the environment portrayed has been represented through the use of sound. These sounds are constantly played through the images displayed on the screen, until the main newsreporter begins to speak, in which at this point the sound stops in order to concentrate the audience on the importance of her dialogue. Secondly, the use of non-diegetic sound helps the audience understand the scene - it adds tension and suspense as the soundtrack has low beats.