Ineception uses various production techniques, most of which are synonymous with the genres it belongs to - Science Fiction and Action. The use of these is effective in creating and reinforcing common tropes and ideas from these genres, with production techniques, in order for them to create more meaning.
Editing techniques especially were used to convey meaning. Fast cuts to various action sequences throughout the scene is a common feature of the Action genre, as well as serving as methods to make the characters relatable to the audience, creating meaning for the character. The fast cuts from shot to shot represents the confusion the characters feel, and relates to the audience's confusion as the film often changes from different levels of dream, which all have action simultaneously. This was effective, as it confused the audience, and show created meaning in that the characters were shown to be confused or panicked as well.
A lack of cuts during scenes of discovery were used to show the slow process being undertaken in the narrative, the meaning of the shots (slow learning) is shown by the fact that there isn't constant change and that it is a slow process, which is shown by the slow movement and lack of cuts.
Camera angles and movements were also used in Inception to convey meaning.
Slow pans and reveals are typical for Sci Fi films, and were used to portray discovery and learning in the film. A long shot, panning across the scene to show all the characters working together to learn creates meaning, as the camera angles add on to the feelings exhibited in the scenes - long term learning and a long process working towards something, which was effective as I as a member of the audience felt the desired result.
On the flip side of this, shaky, fast moving camera movements were also used effectively in high tension and fight scenes to convey meaning (for example, in the assault on the snow base in the penultimate dream level). Shaky shots make the scene less clear and more confusing, which reflects how the characters feel and creates meaning in the scene, desperation for them (and the audience) to understand what is happening. This was effective, as it put the audience and characters in the same position, and so made any meaning created more efective and emotive as the audience felt like they experienced it too.
Music was also used in Inception to convey meaning.
Incidental music, frequently used in both Sci Fi and Action genres, was used to create meaning in this film by accompanying appropriate shots to enhance feelings of excitement and danger. An example of this was the music used over the corridor fight scene and all fight scenes surrounding it, which was fast paced like the editing, encouraged the deadly implications of the fights, and so created and reinforced the meaning in the scene.
A sound bridge was also used effectively in the film in the form of narration. Cobb talking about his experience in limbo with Mol, while the acts he is talking about is shown during him talking, is used to emphasise that the scenes were in the past, and the tone in his voice along along with his dialogue created the meaning of regret at his experience. This was effective in conveying the message, as both techniques provided more reason to believe and feel connected with the story he was telling.
Rain, and the loud, harsh sound it makes was used in the film to represent uncomfortability and incoming danger in the film. When the team is on the second dream state, rain greets them, as does the first signs of resistance and danger. The sound of rain dominates the voices of the team, which shows that this dream level and it's guards intends to dominate the team. So rain and it's sounds presents the meaning of danger and domination in Inception.
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