12 Angry Men is a very well made black and white film written by Reginald Rose and produced by Reginald Rose and Henry Fonda. The basic plot of the film is about a jury of twelve men who together review a case to decide on the redemption or fate of a young boy who supposedly killed his father. Several elements in the film's production are subtle but noticeable and are important factors that help cultivate a deeper drama. Things like camera angle, observation of facial features, physical objects in the room where the jury is located, and even the setting of the story contribute to the dynamic of the film. Specifically, the producers use the murder weapon and time to increase and decrease the tension during the intense exploration of the trial. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay The murder weapon first appears in the film when one of the men questions the knife. As the jurors determine the significance of the knife, the tension in the room rises slightly when the man wielding the knife stabs it through the table. The camera angle this second is focused on the knife as it grinds the wooden table. Tension also increases when another juror demonstrates that he could have easily obtained the same type of knife. Once again, she slams him onto the table, all while loud fights break out in the room. This is the producers' way of adding a dynamic element to the film, and it works well. The filmmakers use the knife again later, when a different man initiates the argument about how the knife wound was made. One of the men who pleaded guilty offered to give a demonstration on one of the men who pleaded not guilty. As this man raises the knife pretending to be the boy stabbing his father, the tension builds very intensely. All the men are silent and stare wide-eyed at the performers. The man raises his knife as if he is about to kill his false adversary, the other men protest in condemnation. The producers' plan to increase the tension in this way is decidedly ingenious. In addition to a well-used symbol to create tension in their film, filmmakers use a small detail like the weather to create tension. At the beginning of the story it is very hot and humid. All the men seem to be sweating. When the jurors begin their deliberations, the men appear agitated and illogical and seem to want to finish their work of reaching a verdict. They seem distracted, a probable consequence of the time at the beginning of the analysis. Tension already exists between men. The producers want it to seem like that maybe because everyone secretly has their own opinion and they don't want others to know because everyone just wants the debate to end. The discussion of the trial continues. A few minutes after the votes go from six to six, it starts to rain. This is the filmmakers' way of changing the tension once again. As early heat symbolizes distraction and tension, rain symbolizes logical reasoning and less tension. More and more men realize that the final decision of the jury determines the fate of a little boy. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay In conclusion, directors Reginald Rose and Henry Fonda have created a wonderfully designed film. Their contrast with different elements to draw attention to the tension is finely crafted. These hints are only slightly noticeable and.
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