LUTHER - Series 1: Episode 1 - Media Research & Planning

Mise-en-scene

In the opening sequence of Luther we are introduced to two character. One of which is running away from the other character. We as the audience will stereo typically believe that the white male running away from the black male, hasn't committed any unlawful crimes. Whereas, we believe the character who is chasing the other character has. In addition, the character who is running away is dressed more formally compared to the other character who is dressed in a hoodie  and jeans. As the character is running away is dressed more formal we again believe that this character may not be in the wrong however, a victim. The formal clothing conveys that this character has a substantial job and a decent income. Whereas, the character in a hoodie and jeans seems as if he doesn't have a substantial job or income. Therefore, we believe that crime may be the only option for this character. We are introduced to a warehouse which has low key lighting with a gloomy atmosphere. This conveys a mysterious/eerie place which corresponds to the opening narrative. We are are curious about why the character is running away from the other character. furthermore, we are again curious about what involvement do they both have with the police that is shown later on during the opening sequence, this links with the atmosphere conveyed and the setting of the opening scene too. Towards the ending of the opening two minutes both characters come face to face and we're able to identify their facial expression. The white male who was being chased seems more tense and terrified compared to the other character. Furthermore, we witness the white male gripping a pole in his hand in order to harm the other character. Due to the fact that one of the character would need a weapon in order to defend himself suggest the character whom has been chasing him is more stronger and is a threat to the other. It's not until we witness the character with a weapon in his hand fall down off the railing and then the other character rings the police we find out that the white male had carried out unlawful  actions.

Sound 

During the opening sequence for Luther we hear digetic and non diegetic sound. We are able to hear non digetic sound from the music that is added into the opening clip. The music added on to the opening sequence is parallel to the event that are taking place during the first two minutes. The music set and contributed to the eerie and mysterious atmosphere created by the setting and lighting of the area. Furthermore, as the music builds up gradually it creates tension and again contributes to the camerawork and fast pace editing used. For instance, we are introduced during the the clip of an unknown characters house where their are many police officers. At that time the music becomes more mellow not until the male police officer say "John says she's here" the music builds up again then cuts to the shot of the other character running away. The use of dramatically reducing the music then slowly bringing it back up again contributes to the tension and keeps the audience at the end of their seat during the opening sequence.

Camerawork 

In the opening sequence of Luther we witness shaky camera work multiple times in the clip therefore, this creates tension again as its not steady. However, the only time there is steady camera work is when we are in a way face to fact with the characters. For instance, the long shot showing the character climbing up the ladder is steady whereas, when the character is climbing the ladder on a different shot which is an close up it seems slightly more shaky. At one point of the clip there is a stand off between both characters. In this scene we witness medium shots of the leg exposing the other character opposite them . In addition, we see a close up of both characters eyes/facial expression. This allows us to see the reaction of both character when they 'face off' after a chasing scene. The use of angles during the face off gives off a tense atmosphere for the viewers.

Editing 

In the opening sequence of Luther the editing style consists of predominantly of straight cuts. Due to the fact that their is a great deal of straight cuts and a quick speed it creates and contributes to the tension presented by the other aspects during the first opening sequence. The pace of editing of fast cuts gradually slows down towards one part of the clip. In this clip we witness two police officers exchanging dialogue then it cuts back to the warehouse where we witness the white male character running away and climbing a ladder. After this the speed gradually increases. This contributes to the tension created as this keeps viewers on the edge of their seat and become more interested in the events that are going to unfold are this.