How is Camerawork, editing and sound used in this clip of Heroes?

How is Camerawork, editing and sound used in this clip of Heroes?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/heroes/season1/episodes/

(Episode 1: Genesis - Bottom of the page)

After watching the clip four times, I found that it was neatly split into three settings. Camerawork, editing and sound are very different within each setting. These functions are also different to represent characters and events.

To start the clip there is a use of a sting. This is also repeated at the end of the clip. It is used to introduce the programme and to create atmosphere. The sting is synchronous with the image of the image of the solar eclipse. After this, editing is used create a white flash into the next scene. Sound is used to support the editing as a sound effect is used during the fade.

Camerawork is used within this scene to show characters and give the audience a representation of them. The first shot is of Mohinder Suresh. A tracking shot is used to follow him as he moves across the frame. The music is very quiet as what he is saying is more important. The shot is slightly low angle to give the impression that he is an important person, but also done to give the audience the perspective of the students sitting in front of him. It makes the audience feel like they are one of his students which helps them to engage with the drama. The camera then shows a medium close of one of the students listening to him, to show her thoughtful expression. An eyeline match is used to introduce the character who enters the room. As the two characters engage in a dialogue, the 180 degree rule is used. This is used as the character has news that Mohinder’s father is dead. This is supported by the camerawork as there is a use of a long shot, showing both characters far apart within the frame. A close up shot of Mohinder’s face is used to show his expression of disbelief and shock. This is the last shot before another white fade, which is once again supported by a sound effect.

After the fade, a tracking shot is used to track a taxi down an alleyway. This shot is also a high angle shot which could imply somebody high up is tracking the car as if from another person’s perspective. A mobile phone is tracked as it falls and hits the ground. This is to show the speed of it falling. When the phone hits the ground, a close up is used to show it smash. This is supported by the sound as the smash is amplified. A low angel shot is used to slowly track up the side of the building revealing a character on the roof. The perspective then changes to the character on the roof and a high angel shot shows the character on the ground looking up. The camera switches between low and high angle shots as they shout to each other. Sound supports this as when looking from the top of the building, the wind is amplified to give the impression of how high up he is. A low angle long shot shows both characters, one in the foreground low down and the character on the roof in the distance. This is to emphasize the distance between them.

There camera then focuses on just peter on the roof. The use of low angel medium close up shots shows his importance. The camera cuts to a different angle over four times just to create the atmosphere. The only sound used is eerie music relating back to the sting at the start of the clip and the amplified sound of the wind blowing past him. As he starts to fall, the music becomes louder, and a shot reverse shot is used to show the character on the ground flinch as he falls towards him. Peter is shown jumping in slow motion for dramatic effect. The music is synchronous as it matches the slow motion and the pace of the editing. Just as he falls, the music changes from a higher pitch into a lower pitch, which is used to represent the event of him falling. As he falls another white fade is used as a transition into the next scene.

The next scene is filmed completely in the perspective of another camera. The camera is unstable, which helps enforce the verisimilitude of the scene. However camerawork is still apparent. Even through the view of the camera, there is still a zoom as Claire runs up the steps. Non-diegetic sound is used as the sound of birds can be heard. This is to give the impression of the setting being in a wide open, suburban location away from the city. This also gives the impression of this scene being unrelated to the others. When running over to Claire, the camera is shaking franticly. This helps represent the characters panic as he runs. Also the characters footsteps and breathing are amplified to enforce the idea of him running. Other amplified sounds include when she hits the ground and also when snapping her shoulder back into place. This is to support the idea that she is seriously hurt, although doesn’t appear to be acknowledging the pain. Finally the scene finishes by another fade being supported by the music becoming louder, then finishing with the same effect as the eclipse at the beginning of the clip.

Firstly camerawork, editing and sound are used in this clip in several ways. For example sound is mainly used to support the editing, such as the transitions into the next scene. However the sound is also used to portray the settings, such as the sound of the birds, or the wind when peter is on the roof. Secondly, editing is used to link the camerawork such as the shot reverse shot as Peter jumps from the rooftop. Finally the camerawork is used to show events such as the long shot of Claire falling from the bridge. These three functions appear to complement each other and work well together to create this clip of Heroes.