Dexter: Morning Routine - Research and Planning

DEXTER

Mise-en-scene

We are introduced to the main character from the start of the opening scene where we witness the main character slapping a fly that was on his arm and killing it. In this scene we can vaguely see the characters face. From what we're able to view we are able to see that the main character has a small smile when he has killed the fly. Perhaps this may imply he has a sense of joy when 'killing' or witnessing 'bloody' scenes. In addition, during one point of the opening sequence we witness two scenes where one is of the main character shaving and then cuts himself and uses a small paper towel to clean the blood up. The other scene is of the blood dripping multiple times in the sink. The blood dripping down into the sink may indicate that death is too follow. As there are 'multiple' drops of the blood into the sink. The multiple drops may indicate the amount of deaths that may take place. In addition, the scene that follows up to blood dripping into the sink is a scene of the main character cleaning the blood up. This scene shows an extreme close up of the blood being absorbed by the main character. The blood being absorbed may indicate that this character is similar to the paper towel. The paper towel 'absorbs' the blood whereas, the main character may captivate death?

 In many scene's we are miss lead to believe that the character is carrying out of  unlawful actions. For instance, when he's preparing his breakfast and is cutting into the meat with a 'sharp knife' we as the audience are lead on to believe that he's cutting into human flesh until we witness a close up of the character preparing the meat on a frying pan. When cutting in to the meat the character 'finely' cuts into it. As we witness the character 'finely' cutting the meat this perhaps may indicate that he swiftly carries out his actions. Towards the ending of the clip we are finally introduced to the character. When we are introduced to the main character his expressions are very vacant. The vacant expression leads us to believe this character may be an average person. Not until there is a small pause during this scene the character has a motionless look in this facial expression. Moreover, the character has a daunting look in his eyes. Therefore, it gives the impression that this character is not to mess with as he may have a dark side to him. Once this scene is finished we are introduced to two more scenes where we witness the character locking his front door and a scene of him walking out of shot smirking. The scene of the locked door may suggest that this characters secrets are all kept and left at home. In addition, this may also imply he's a different person outside of his house. However, in the scene where we view the character walking out of shot we see the character have a 'smirk' on his face. The smirk may imply that this individual is up to something that others shouldn't know. This links with the scene of the locking of his front door.

Sound 

During the opening sequence we are introduced to non-diegetic sound in which the main character is not able to hear however, the editors have placed in order to create or set a certain mood. The backing track of the opening sequence of Dexter is contrapuntal to whats occurring in the sequence. For instance, the music that is played sets a fairly calm mood however, scenes such as the blood of the main character when shaving & the cutting of the meat we wouldn't associate with music as such. The two scenes set a more mysterious mood rather than a calm mood. However, due to the fact that this is classed as the main characters 'daily routine' the music can be associated with the actual concept of a daily routine. If we were to cut out the miss leading scenes and leave the current music on top of it, it would set a calm mood to the sequence. Furthermore, even though the music is contrapuntal it complements the miss leading scenes as it creates a mysterious atmosphere in a sense. Predominately there is strong non-diegetic sound however, occasionally during the opening sequence we are introduced to diegetic sounds which the main character is able to hear for instance, when he us shaving. We are able to hear the blade  in contact with the skin. We are again introduced to digetic sound when he main character is cooking his meat and the meat is sizzling in the pan. Another example in the opening sequence of diegetic sound is when the character is eating the eggs he's prepared. We are able to hear the cutlery clash with each other and the plate when the character was cutting his breakfast.

Camerawork

In the opening sequence for Dexter we are introduced to numerous close ups and extreme close ups. We are shown each and every single detail of the main characters morning. This may suggest as a viewer we would need to pay close attention to detail of the character as he may come across as potential dangerous character. In addition, during the sequence are aren't introduced to the main character until the very end of the sequence. This creates a mysterious atmosphere through the use of close ups and extreme close ups. The mysterious atmosphere created by the use of shots used intertwines with the way the character is conveyed. The close ups allows us to vaguely view the characters expression at one point and the other it toward the end where we are finally introduced to the character. The shots used add's to the character and the way he's presented therefore, the audience is able to have a small understand of the character.  

Editing 

During the opening sequence for Dexter we are predominately shown more straight cuts compared to other editing cuts such as a jump cut, fade, dissolve etc. Straight cuts are commonly used during the editing process. Furthermore, viewers are accustom to seeing cuts as such that they hardly notice when a straight cut occurs. The quick cuts during the clip may imply that the main character's 'daily routine' is a quick start to the morning. Therefore, the viewers may believe that the main character has a busy lifestyle. We are introduced to a minor fade to white during one point of the clip where the main character is flossing his teeth then firmly tightens his shoe lace. The fade to white may suggest a passing in time. In this case the passing of time would be of the main character getting ready to go out, which we witness further on during the clip.

Target Audience -  Dexter is prominently targeted towards more a younger audience. From their mid teens onward. It will appeal to mid teens and older people due to the fact that it may be something different. The fact that we are viewing a series based on a serial killer makes us want to view the program as we will have an insight on a serial killers life. Perhaps the audience may view the program to see what it's like to live life on the edge, similar to Dexter.