NCFOM opening scene

opening scene:

• micro features
• western generic conventions
• alignment of character
• spectator response
• passive/active
• preferred, negotiated, optional, aberrant

-lack of non-diegetic music
-sound of wind/voice of sheriff
-vast landscapes/establishing shot- static camera- barbed wire fence/telegraph poles/cables
-pan's to police car- seems incongruous

In the opening sequence of No Country for Old Men, the film appears to conform to the Western genre. The deep depth of field shots showing the desert landscape suggests to the spectator that they are watching a take on a western. this, with the voice over of the sheriff, which is a typical western genre convention. however, the barbed wire and telegraph poles present in the sequence of desert shots hints to spectators that this film may challenge conventional western films, which were originally set in the late 1800s. furthermore, the shots eventually pan to a police car, which appears incongruous to the dessert setting, and the western genre, which conveys to the spectator that this film may intentionally subvert ideas and the ideology of this genre. this encourages the spectator to become an active rather than passive spectator as their perceptions of the Western genre are being challenged.

Chigurh introduction:

costume- dark, subverts western attire
casting- spanish actor
camera filming from behind (back to camera shot)
not in focus in back of police car - enigma code around character

The spectator is first introduced to Chigurh at the beginning of the film, though his introduction may intentionally prevent alignment from spectators. His dark and plain costume, along with the back to camera shots creates a sense of anticipation for viewers, as we are ambivalent about his intentions. He is also filmed out of focus when he is sitting in the police car, emphasising the enigma code that he displays, resulting in the spectators uncertainty, and inability to align themselves with him. the fact that his attire so obviously subverts the traditional western style of Stetson hats and boots, further persuades spectators to feel uncertain about the character, and to consider his place or role in a western setting, which through the first sequence of landscape shots was so clearly established.


feedback:
"He is also filmed out of focus" - sounds like the filmmakers did this unintentionally. Use the phrase 'shallow depth-of-field'
"traditional western style" - 'style' not the right word here - use genre/codes/conventions