Media studies: Sherlock clip

The Sherlock clip presents a range of moods within the clip showing the character and how they interact with each other and situations around them. As well as creating atmosphere which intern sets the mood for the audience to perceive how the scene allowing them to connect with the characters. The mood changes erratically through the clip this utilizes verisimilitude which makes the characteristics of the characters in the clip.

Camera angle and editing are effectively used, especially to show the intensity and state of Sherlock. The scene starts out with multiple cut scenes slowly fading in and out to black revealing the location while building the atmosphere through a montage of close and wide angle shots to reveal to the viewer the intense nature of the show down that is about to commence. The cut scenes also give the viewer an insight to the state of the characters going into the scene through the use of snap shots of them expressing Sherlock and Watson's fear and seriousness by utilizing close up and extreme close up shots to focus on the details of the expression through there features. The cut scenes speed up creating the effect of anticipation in the viewers for what is about to happen in the scene as it progresses. The dramatic build up then comes to a climax with an over the shoulder view from Sherlock of him and the villain of the story putting them in direct opposition, at the climax of the tension there is a comedic twist that is responded to by the camera cutting quickly between the three main characters of the scene with close ups of their faces outlining their confusion.

The lighting in the scene utilized cold and dark colors to present the mood. The scene is shot at night creating the mysterious atmosphere for the situation  about to unfold with the use of natural lighting .In the close up shots of the characters the use of shadows on their faces highlight the expression of the facial features such as the signs of Sherlock panic, Watson's dread/fear, and Moriarty's glee and anger. There is strong use of cold colors that emanate from the light of the pool challenged by the warm light of the lamps creating contrast how ever the cold colors take dominance in the dark night mimicking the way the villain takes victory over the hero of the story.

The mise-en-scene is reflected through many aspects such as the use of strong use of props complementing the characters, amplifying the visibility of the character traits and status they possess.  Both the antagonist and the protagonist are wearing very formal attire in the form of suits which present them as very proper and smart, this is revealed through the stoic stand made by Sherlock against Moriarty even though all odds were not in his favor. However, Moriarty is presented as smart but erratic displaying multiple signs of mental disorders such as psychopathy, sociopathy, bipolar disorder as his large movement, voice, and temper momentarily change erratically. The use of prop guns and bombs emphasis the hostile nature of the meeting giving the viewer a high-stake encounter with a mentally unstable villain.

Sound is used from a diegetic and non-diegetic perspective throughout the scene to build and change the mood of the audience while progressing the story line along. The scene starts to the sound of Moriarty’s voice playing over the cut scenes of the location, setting the mood for the scene while clearly displaying his intent towards Sherlock. Low frequency non-diegetic sound create a harrowing atmosphere in order for the audience to feel the tension building. The build up led to a moment of comedic relief when the use of diegetic sound through the song staying alive started playing as Moriarty had a gun pointed at pointed at him contradicting the likely potential outcome of the situation.