Snatch Essay

How do the micro elements cinematography and mise-en-scene to create tension and convey the onscreen violence evoking an empathetic response for the protagonist in the final fight in Snatch (Guy Ritchie, 2000)

During the climatic fight scene the protagonist Micky O’ Neil (Brad Pitt) is preparing for his final boxing match which he is meant to forfeit so that the promoters can recoup a large sum of money from bets they’ve placed. However, in a turn of events the protagonist decides to deify the promoters and goes on to win the match. Subsequently he angers the promoters who had planned to destroy his family and friend’s campsite if he was to win the match. Micky had anticipated this and a showdown at the campsite ensues. The sequence is designed to integrate the viewer into the escalating onscreen action, raising tension levels as they will Micky to won his fight and save the campsite.

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The sequence opens with a series of fast paced shots of Micky being defeated during the boxing match. The scene is intercut with shots of Micky floating underwater, struggling to breathe – symbolic for his impending defeat and possible death. A close up of Micky falling to the floor, in slow motion, with blood running from his eye suggests to the viewer that the fight is over and he has been defeated. This is reinforced by an elongated shot of him floating to the ocean bed, engulfed by darkness. The audience instantly empathise with the protagonist as they feel his life has ended. The sequence then cross cuts to the promoters who look dismayed but with a hint of relief as they know they’ve won their bet. The sequence then cuts to Micky rising up from defeat and a landing a decisive blow on his opponent as this lands a white flash is used this emphasises the blow and is a shock tactic as it surprises the viewer as the turn of events was not expected.

After this a freeze frame Is used on Turkish and his partners facial expression (image 1) after Micky surprisingly knocks his...