How Is Camerawork Used In This Excerpt of ‘Shameless’?

The excerpt begins with a high-shot of Marty. Marty is sat in a dark room by himself with nothing but street lights shining through the window. The high-shot is used to show the isolation and anxiety that his body language is displaying. This then jumps into a medium close-up. By doing this it shows the anger in Marty’s face. Marty’s mother then returns home with her new boyfriend in his car. Marty is visibly not happy.

When the car pulls up to the house, a long shot is used to establish the setting. There is then a two-shot close-up of the two characters in the car. This shows the intense conversation and flirting between the two characters. The camera then tracks the car, as it moves into a nearby alleyway, to show the significance of the characters and also takes the focus off Marty. However, the focus is soon back on Marty and a static shot is then used and as Marty rushes pass the camera, leaving the house. The urgency and determination is visible from the speed and expression on Marty’s face. He then walks briskly towards the parked car, a moving tilted shot is used to show the importance of the petrol canister that Marty is carrying. The camera view then jumps to under the vehicle. This is a low level shot and is positioned under the characters. This shot is used to show the danger that the characters in the car are facing and the threat that is approaching in the darkness.

As Marty pours the petrol all over the vehicle, the characters are shocked at this action, fling open the doors and rush out of the car. The camera then jumps to Marty again, as he produces a lighter and threatens to set the car on fire. This medium shot shows Marty’s angst, the state of mind and instability. There are then several two-shots and over-the-shoulder shots as the 3 characters argue and discuss the situation, with the lighter in constant view in the foreground to display the danger and power in which it holds.

As neighbours begin to gather, medium shots are used to show the frantic and concerned emotions of them all. A master shot is then used. This shot is used continuously through out this section of the scene to show the setting and the tense atmosphere surrounding the scene. Frank Gallagher, another main character, then comes onto the scene. He is holding a lit cigarette. After some over-the-shoulder shots, as Marty and Frank have a conversation, there is a close-up of the cigarette as Frank drops it on the ground. This shot is used to show the importance of the cigarette and adds to the narrative and tension. As fuel ignites and traces its way to the car, the boyfriend turns to face the vehicle in despair. The camera pans from the boyfriends shocked expression to the show the burning vehicle.