The Da Vinci Code

By Alexandra Wells

How character is set upAt the beginning, the audience sees a man (called Jacques Sauniére) running through the Louver. This create suspense and tension for the audience as his facial expression tells us that he’s running away from something/someone. Also, he’s wearing a suit which could indicate that he’s a business man.

The other character, Robert Langdon, is seen to be a professor of Religious Symbology as he gives a presentation about the ‘Interpretation on symbols’. This tells the audience that he’s a character that likes to solve puzzles and clues, which is key later on in the film. He has a journal with him which tells the audience that he writes down important information so that he doesn’t forget it.

The audience then sees a cloaked figure going after Jacques, who is later referred to as Silas. The fact that he’s wearing a black cloak and stays in the shadows indicates that he may be the antagonist within the film as the black indicates that he’s a dark, mysterious character.

How enigma is set upEnigma is created when the audience sees Jacques running as the audience feel suspense and questions what he’s running away from. Next, the audience sees a glimpse of someone going after him which builds up more suspense and tension. The fact that this figure has got a gun creates anticipation and the audience wonder if he’ll shoot it at Jacques. Next thing, he shoots Jacques in the stomach and Jacques blood goes everywhere, mostly on his hands, and the audience worry what’ll happen to him, whether he’ll survive or not.

How titles are usedAt the beginning, Columbia pictures, Imagine Entertainment and Skylark Productions titles show up on the screen one at a time. During these production titles, a blue light beam flashes across each title. This creates a sense of mystery and indicates to the audience that during the film there’ll be a crime investigation. The effect of this keeps the audience on edge and anticipating what will happen.

Next, ‘The Da Vinci Code’ fades onto the screen one letter at a time in silver writing. This also creates a sense of mystery for the audience as well as building tension and suspense.

Technical elements-camera workDuring the beginning of the film, the camera follows Jacques who is running away from Silas. At some points, the camera is behind Jacques instead of in front of him. This allows the audience to picture their selves in his place and be a part of the film.

The camera also follows Robert Langdon’s movements as he prepares for his presentation. This allows the audience to feel like he’s also speaking directly to them.

The fact that when Silas is pointing the gun at Jacques and the camera zooms in on Silas, indicates that he has a big impact within the film. By this happening, the audience feels suspense and anticipation.

Technical elements-editingAt the beginning, there’s quick and different angled shots of Jacques running. Next, there’s close up shots of paintings which signifies the importance of them in the film. The audience then sees a glimpse of the figure going after Jacques. These quick and different shots creates tension for the audience.Next is a close up shot of Jacques face which shows that he’s red and out of breath from running away from (Silas) the cloaked figure, which tells the audience that he can’t out run him. Also, the fact that he’s in frame for what seems a long time also shows this and suspense and anticipation is created.

Some high angled shots (birds eye view shots) are edited into the film which indicates to the audience that Jacques is belittled and weak compared to Silas. Also, this involves the audience in the film as the audience are looking down on Jacques which allows the audience to see Jacques from Silas’s point of view.

The audience then sees alternate shots between Robert Langdon and Jacques Sauniére. This allows the audience to see both characters and what they’re doing as they’re both important in the film

Next are close up shots of Robert’s journal, the glass of water and the blood on Jacques hands. The audience may feel over whelmed by the quick and sudden shot changes which builds up the tension and suspense that the audience feels.

As Jacques tries to pick up the painting from the wall, he falls. And the next shots are shot/reverse shots of Silas and Jacques. These shots switch from medium shots and close up shots which shows that Silas has control and power over Jacques.

Technical elements-mise en sceneThe audience sees shots of paintings at the beginning and this is seen to be very important throughout the film. A few seconds later, the audience sees Jacques taking a painting off the wall. This creates tension for the audience as the audience wonders whether he’s stealing the painting or taking it off the wall for a particular reason (to move it, etc.)

Silas is chasing Jacques with a gun. This weapon is lethal within the first 5 minutes of the beginning as Silas threatens Jacques with it. The audience feels worried for Jacques and threatened by the gun as it’s nearly pointing towards the camera, so it involves the audience. The lighting during this is dull and shadowed which tells the audience that Silas is a dark character.

Next when the audience sees Jacques, he has blood on his hands. The next shot is then of Robert Langdon pouring a glass of water. The contrast of the red blood and clear water tells the audience that Jacques is the character who’s in danger. The lighting highlights the majority of Robert Langdon’s face. This indicates to the audience that he’s the protagonist within the film.

Technical elements-soundDuring the opening production titles, the audience can hear faint non-diegetic music (strings) which is fast paced. This creates a feeling of mystery and unease.As ‘The Da Vinci Code’ fades onto the screen, the non-diegetic sound of strings is heard which varies between low and high pitches.

Diegetic footsteps can be heard by the audience as Jacques is running. This varies as the closer the camera is to him, the louder the footsteps but the further away the camera is from him, the quieter the footsteps. This makes the audience feel like they’re in the film and are a part of it as this creates verisimilitude.

Next, the diegetic beeping noises of the alarm tells the audience that Jacques is in trouble and running out of time. Also, the diegetic speech sounds threatening which creates tension and unease for the audience.