textual analysis of 'broadchurch'

Broadchurch S1 - E1 - 45 mins - ITV

In the intro, diegetic sounds that you'd expect to hear on the street, such as cars, fades gradually into a non-diegetic soundtrack. The plain empty setting created a tense atmosphere along with the prolonged music. Extreme long shot, slightly high angle shot, establishing shot.

The sequence before the title captured the audience in with suspense as they were gripped onto the horrific idea of what they thought was going to happen, but as the story progressed they soon came to realise its the complete opposite. The lighting and the way the picture is presented also creates quite an unusual, sinister feel. Overhead shot, master shot.

Started off as just seeming like a regular day for the family. Gives the audience false hope and dramatises the next event. There was also the use of a continuous hand held camera sequence, following the father off to work, this creates realism as it comes across like anyone else's normal start to the day. Medium long shot-long shot, eye level shot which creates familiarity and realism for the audience.

Use two very different style detectives. The females chill and loving nature with others contrasts with the males stubborn policing ways. Long shot, eye level shot.

Typical iconography of a crime drama-police stations and offices. Medium long shot, slightly low angle.

The slow motion effect along with a blurred visual portrays the mothers life and the state of mind she is in right now. It can make the audience feel uncomfortable and at unease with the consistent background music with the heavy breathing, as they know that something is not right. The medium shot and eye level shot shows the emotion on her face clearly.

The body of a child was found. The fact that it is a child will make the audience feel disturbed, agitated and a lot of sympathy due to the fact that a lot of the audience watching this programme have kids so can relate to the situation, as they would feel the exact same if they lost a child. Medium shots, eye level shots.

Yellow forensics tape-shows its an official crime scene-creates realism. Medium shot, over the shoulder shot, eye level shot.

A beach is pictured as a beautiful, peaceful place, which counteracts with the murder of a young child.  This could put the audience at unease, as something like this is unexpected in such a tranquil place like this. Extreme long shot, very high angle shot.

An unknown and unspoken character is repeatedly shown. This gives the audience the impression that she could be responsible for the incident, but don't know for sure so they watch on. Medium long shot, eye level shot.

The use of gloves suggests that the programme is set in our modern world and time. Close up shot, high angle shot.

Many camera shots of each family member put into one. All shown grieving in their own space and time. Extreme long shot, long shot and medium long shot. Long angle-eye level shot.

The audience are given an insight into the detectives home and personal life, other than just at work. Shows more of their own story. Mid close up, eye level shot.

Extreme close up shot immediately puts attention onto whats happening on the computer screen.

The end of the episode consists of suspicious behaviour. This is left at a cliffhanger for the audience to wait and think about till the next episode. Extreme long shot, eye level shot.

Looking through all of these shots, I have realised that the most common shots and angles used are medium/medium long shots and eye level shots. I think that this is because they help the scenes to become more realistic and familiar to the audience.