Kid Criminals Film Analysis
How far is the spectator challenged by issues of manipulation in documentary film? Refer to the films you have studied for this topic.
In the Channel 4 documentary Kid Criminals, our views and opinions are challenged through the use of certain techniques such as cinematography, mise en scene, editing and sound.
The messages and values that we expect to see in Kid Criminals is challenged through the use of cinematography. The opening of Kid Criminals helps to draw the viewer in by showing the facility through the use of a panning high angle where the criminals are being held. Once the camera has settled we are shown the children that are shackled together. This is contrasted when we are shown the criminals parents in their own environment. Particularly with CC, we see her step-father looking at young pictures of CC and crying. This scene has been specifically placed so that the audience can sympathise with the step-father and therefore sympathise with CC herself. This goes against what you would normally expect to feel about a criminal. You would expect to not feel sorry for them and that they are rightfully in prison however this scene changes that. …show more content…
We see the kids in cages like animals showing just how bad some of the kids in the facility are. This is one of the first shots that is seen once the camera has settled. We also frequently see the American flag as the camera is panning over the fence of the facility. This is a constant reminder that the documentary is set in America. The close ups and slow motions of the shackles on the children are another reminder that the facility is very negative even though from the outside it does not look like
In the Channel 4 documentary Kid Criminals, our views and opinions are challenged through the use of certain techniques such as cinematography, mise en scene, editing and sound.
The messages and values that we expect to see in Kid Criminals is challenged through the use of cinematography. The opening of Kid Criminals helps to draw the viewer in by showing the facility through the use of a panning high angle where the criminals are being held. Once the camera has settled we are shown the children that are shackled together. This is contrasted when we are shown the criminals parents in their own environment. Particularly with CC, we see her step-father looking at young pictures of CC and crying. This scene has been specifically placed so that the audience can sympathise with the step-father and therefore sympathise with CC herself. This goes against what you would normally expect to feel about a criminal. You would expect to not feel sorry for them and that they are rightfully in prison however this scene changes that. …show more content…
We see the kids in cages like animals showing just how bad some of the kids in the facility are. This is one of the first shots that is seen once the camera has settled. We also frequently see the American flag as the camera is panning over the fence of the facility. This is a constant reminder that the documentary is set in America. The close ups and slow motions of the shackles on the children are another reminder that the facility is very negative even though from the outside it does not look like