The Number 23 (Schumacher, 2007)
How do the following elements create mood/atmosphere?
Camera-work:
- Stylistic camera-work.
- Camera revolves around van, looking through windscreen, as if someone if watching the character – suspense.
- Tight framing in van and upstairs in home – sense of characters being trapped.
Sound:
- Narrative – lead character (Carrey) talks to audience.
- Orchestral music – mostly in-keeping with the domestic setting, but bass tones add a slightly darker mood which creates tension.
- Use of silence in the van (along with shadows) creates mystery and suspense.
Mise-en-Scene:
- Clock – idea of time/deadlines.
- Cages in rear of van – sense of isolation, perhaps the lead character being trapped in some way (physically or psychologically).
- Domestic setting/pictures of family – happy mood, familiar to audience, feeling that everything is ordinary (including the protagonist) and that nothing strange is expected to happen .
Editing & Lighting:
- Use of flashbacks (opening scene rewinds).
- Low-key lighting – shadow – creates mystery.
How are the characters introduced?
- Main Character (Carrey) introduced as camera swoops down on him at the moment at which the narration begins – link between voice and character. Character has the shield and radio, but is an unusual law enforcement officer – animal control, rather than police, etc.
- Family introduced through photos in van – important part of storyline.
- Son introduced – jokes with father – happy family life.
- Wife opens door to Carrey's character. Lighting, and use of silence, suggests that the situation is more sinister than it actually is.
How are the credits integrated?
- Typewriter font – detective stereotype
- Red ink – symbolises blood/danger
- Credits include facts linked to the '23 conspiracy' – clue to what the plot is about
- Credits embedded in the continually typed '23' ^
- Fast paced – builds tension
- Orchestral Soundtrack – builds tension
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