Dexter

This clip is taken from Season 2 of the TV series 'Dexter.' In this scene, Dexter Morgan (the serial killer) is caught red-handed by local police officer Sergeant Doakes.

Dexter is wearing a dark tshirt and dark brown trousers to blend in with the darkness. This is his standard 'stalking/killing' apparel, but for anybody who does not watch this show on a regular basis, it is obvious he is hiding something and doesn't want to be seen, as the clothes camouflage him.

Doakes, on the other hand, is wearing a bright yellow shirt, and so the contrast between light and dark (and consequently, 'good' and 'evil') is instantly made.

This scene is filmed at night, and to add to the suspense, fast-paced music is played in the background to add to the action packed scene. The use of music, sound, and even voice-over all play a part in adding to the tension of the scene.

Dexter's voice-over at the beginning of the the clip - 'One more trip' makes everything seem more tense, as even he is anticipating something. As mentioned before, the music is fast and used to create tension. Also, at around 0:09, the music lowers drastically, and instead, eerie 'horror film' sound effects are used, to let the audience know that something is wrong.
   When Dexter finally realises 'It's over,' diagetic sound is used - this is the creaking of the planks, which add to the creepy atmosphere. The music then gets louder, with the occasional 'chime' which has the effect of perhaps counting down/towards something.
   Diagetic sound is also used later on - when the handcuffs thump to the floor, which is effective as it is like a final untilmatum for Dexter - also the gunshot at 1.52 which is loud and sudden. You can also hear gasping and splashing water in the seconds following. This means that even though the scene is shot in almost complete darkness, the audience can envision what is going on.




The scene starts with an overhead shot (left) which is used to show the immediate surroundings and settings in which the protagonist is in (pier, boat, river) etc.

When Dexter realises the game is over, the camera shifts to a long-shot, taken over his shoulder. This is used to show the relationship between the two characters; you can immediately see Doakes holding and pointing a gun at Dexter, and from this angle, an audience member is more likely to feel as if they're actually there, having the gun pointed at them  and sharing the experience.

Dexter talks

The characters speak in quick, short sentences. Between 0:26-0:36, the camera cuts between the two characters, so the audience can see Doakes as he's replying to Dexter and vice versa. These are 'reaction shots' and are done using medium close-ups. (left)

Doakes responds

This camera angle is also highly effective as it makes it feel as if the audience is looking directly into the barell of the gun.
The shots have been edited to quickly catch the response of the characters.

The camera then shifts to show Close-up, Head and Shoulder shots of both the characters, as the conversation becomes more detailed and personal. The camera focuses on Doakes for his entire mini speech at 3:16.

When Dexter Morgan kneels to put the handcuffs on, a Low Angle Shot is used, which shows that Doakes is the one in control of the situation, and makes him look intimidating, but Dexter to look small and inferior.

As Dexter's movement is so sudden at 1:48, a quick High Angle Shot is used to encapture all the action. This also shows the gap in the wooden planks, and lets the audience understand the iminent danger.

A quick transition is made from the 'pier scene' to the 'cage scene.' No blackout of fade out is used. Instead, the camera just quickly cuts to the next scene. The camera slowly zooms out from Doakes to show how he is alone, and the hopelessness of his situation.

Last piece of dialogue is used ('Morgan!!') then the music starts up again as the scene ends.