Brick Analysis

Brick (Johnson, 2005, US)

 In this essay I will be explain the ways that Johnson has used Mise en scene, Cinematography, Sound/Music and Editing throughout the opening sequence of ‘Brick (Johnson, 2005, US). 

 At the beginning of the opening sequence Johnson has used an extreme close up of the characters face. It starts of as a really blurry image but as the sequence goes on, the picture becomes clearer as Johnson have used a focus pull. As the picture becomes clearer, the audience can see that the facial expressions of the character look as if he is shocked. By the character having a shocked look on his face; it then makes the audience question themselves as to why the boy looks shocked and what could have happened to make him feel this way. It then cuts to a shot reverse shot scene which last for about 8 seconds of which consist of close ups. The close ups are of certain features of the two characters which could give the audience clues and hints that something bad has happened. Another example of cinematography is when it cuts to a close up of the boy holding the note which the girl had left in his locker. This has been done as it is also a clue for the audience. 

  



The first location is set in a tunnel sort of things which leads to the sewers’ where the boy is pushed up against the wall and the girl’s body is lying on the floor with her hair and hand lying in a stream of water. The second location is set within a high school where the two main characters go to. Johnson may have chosen to use these two different settings to contrast with the fact that one place is so dull and deserted and the other place is lively and full of people. 

 There are many different sounds that you can hear within the opening sequence. For example, the non-diegetic sound track that is played at the beginning. To the audience the music sounds as if it is quite a happy tone until they see the girl’s body lying on the floor. Once the audience notice the girl on the floor the music suddenly seems to be a lot more serious. Another use of sound is the ambient sound of the children at school walking and talking. Johnson may have put this normal every day scene into the opening sequence to contrast with the scene of the dead girl. This would make the audience feel confused and make them want to watch more as they have two different situations going on with no answers as to why. 

 






The titles at the beginning of the opening sequence are written in capital letters. This gives of a serious effect. Also, the titles at the beginning fade out, this could resemble the girls life as she is dying, her life is slowly fading away. Furthermore, Johnson has also used cross dissolve from the first shot to the second shot. He may have done this so the audience can’t really see what the second shot is. By doing this it makes the audience intrigued and want to carry on watching the film.