The Suspense Created in the Elevator Scene in the Film Speed

935 Words2 Pages

The Suspense Created in the Elevator Scene in the Film Speed

The director of Speed, Mark Gordan, uses a range of techniques to

build tension and suspense in the film Speed.

Camera Angles

We see a group of business people leaving a meeting and getting into

the lift. The camera angle is at eye level to help the audience feel

as though they are looking into their eyes, almost as if they were

there with them. This is useful in order to help the audience identify

with them and develop feelings for their situation later.

After the first two explosions, the camera angle changes to looking

down on the passengers. This makes them appear smaller and vulnerable.

In contrast to this, the shots of the lift shaft are long shots to

contrast the dizzying drop to the basement.

There are also various close-up shots of the passengers, suspended in

limbo in the lift shaft. This enables the audience to see the fear and

anxiety of their faces. We also have close ups of Harry and Jack

showing them sweating to help convey the sense of urgency.

Camera Techniques

We see the finger of the bomber pushing a button on the detonator. The

figure is anonymous. Unlike the eye level shots of the passengers that

we are invited to identify with, this technique leaves the bomber as a

dislocated figure, removed from view and leaves the audience with no

means of identifying with him. This ensures our sympathies are with

the passengers and not him.

Shots of the lift shaft are alternated with shots of the passengers to

underline how closely the fate of the passengers is connected to it.

Shots of the passengers and each being pulled to safety are alte...

... middle of paper ...

...her to move.

Eventually, she takes his hand and is pulled to safety - just in time.

She is no sooner pulled to safety when the lift collapses with a huge

crash and aftershock to remind the audience just how serious the crash

was.

Heroes and Villains

The plot exploits the usual pitting of evil against good with the good

guys winning. In Speed, we see the villain as the bomber holding

hostages to ransom and putting a price on people's lives. Then we see

Harry and Jack. They take risks to save the lives of others and thwart

the plans of the villain.

All the elements used in the film help to create the mood and

atmosphere of the film, in this case, tension and suspense. The

techniques show that manipulating these elements help to engage the

audience and convey the moods and feelings appropriate to the film.

More about The Suspense Created in the Elevator Scene in the Film Speed

Open Document