Media Clip

For my section of linear media, I decided to examine American Beauty directed by Sam Mendez. The scene i choose to examine is the dinner scene where Kevin Spacey’s character decides to finally stand up for himself. This entire scene consists of two people arguing with an innocent bystander watching. By editing in a way that is almost paralleling the power dynamic in the room, the words become more emphasized. For example, when Kevin Spacey's character gains power, the editing cuts to him and stays on him. The only time it would break away from his power is so the audience can receive the reaction of the two other characters in the room.  

       The editing is also plays a role in the pacing of the scene. By having frequent face cuts between the opposing forces, any moments of stillness become more impactful. The pacing is also reflective of the music playing in the background. By changing the music to an instrumental beginning after most of the argument is over, it punctuates the ending of the scene with a very calming yet unsettling stillness. 

      The order of the cuts and angles relay heavy on the argument and who is in control of the power at the moment. Because they cuts parallel the argument so well it seems like seamless editing for most of the time. However cuts may become more obvious when the daughter become the center of the shot. Because the daughter has little value in the argument, but rather acts as a bystander/observer, she appears to be the awkward audience perspective. since the audience can relate to her, this can affect the level of obviousness in the cuts.