Textual Analysis of East Rider 1996.


In the beginning of the cemetery acid scene from the text Easy Rider, 1996 , a static camera and natural lighting is used. Diegetic sound of church bells surrounding the protagonists in the frame at the time creates a sense of realism within the scene.The protagonists are seen doing drugs within the scene which helps later on for the chaotic trip the clip takes. The camera for this scene is consistently static and eye level which makes the viewer feel as though they are in the scene watching the protagonists and the surroundings. Cross editing is then used as the camera rapidly switches between being static on the protagonists to panning upwards and downwards a tall building. Non diegetic sound of a girl speaking religiously is played whilst the camera is switching from different shots this creates a chaotic atmosphere within the scene. The religious element the clip has links back to the 1960 era which the film is set in as in the 1960s it was a time of explosive religious change, it was a time of innovation from the new theology and new morality of Bishop Robinson. After the chaotic scene a low angle shot is shown of the female protagonist who is talking about religion, this places her in a position of power. Fast editing is then used as the scenes cut between a male and a female protagonist. both protagonists are show in the centre of the screen which makes the audience know they are the main priority in the film. whilst fast editing is used, hand held camera is also included as the camera is placed at a high angle and spins around quickly.