Agent Carter: Understanding the Use of Film Elements in a High-Action Setting

Any movie and its perception are shaped through the use of different film elements. Such elements provide context, create meaning, and allow for understanding that would otherwise be impervious to the viewer. The film Agent Carter, specifically in the short clip assigned, creates meaning for the viewers through camera shots/angles, editing, sound and mise-en-scene.

Camera shots and angles are some of the most noticeable elements used in the clip in order to create meaning. For example, the first shot we see in the clip is of Steve in an air/space craft that seems to be hurtling toward Earth. In the window in front of the subject, you can see Earth. This shot is used to convey the severity of the situation. The wide-shot of Earth creates a sense of awe and an understanding for the viewer as to the true danger the subject is currently facing. Another shot that is utilized in the clip is a close-up of a security guard. Agent Carter has just disarmed two of his fellow men and he is unsure as to where she is. The close-up provides the same sense of fear and unknowing that the guard is feeling to the viewer. The guard can’t see Agent Carter and because of the close shot, neither can the viewer. Both are “in the dark” as to where Agent Carter is. If a different shot was chosen, for example, a wide-shot, the viewer would have known where Carter was, meaning the fear that is captured and is being experienced by the guard would not exist for the viewer and the viewer may not feel a need to continue watching in anticipation of where Carter is.

The ways in which different shots are edited together also act to translate meaning. For example, the cut from Carter in the office, to a shot of the street outside of the location called in for crime, acts to show the change in location and provide context for the viewer. Furthermore, continued shots of the guards switching back to Carter walking toward the guards show the rapid pace at which she is approaching, helping to translate a sense of urgency. Another edit, switching from Carter forcing the guard to call for help to the guards comrades jumping up from the noise, once again show the urgency and panic in the situation. Overall, the clip is edited with many sharp cuts from one subject to the next, or one piece of action to another, in order to convey the urgency and high action in the situation. The fast pace helps keep the viewers on their toes and helps to portray the intensity of the situation.

Sound is very important in the short clip. The first major example is when there is a call in about the crime Carter eventually visits. We don’t see the phone ring at first, but rather hear a loud, blaring sound, alerting Carter and the viewers to the emergency. The sudden noise is acting in such a manner to surprise both Agent Carter and the viewer. Sound is further used to convey meaning when we see Agent Carter attacking two of the men outside while another man inside waits, unbeknownst to him the danger outside. The man cannot hear the attack because he is listening to loud and light-hearted music. The volume of the music is very purposeful in the clip. Without it, the guard would have heard the threat coming his way and prepared to defend himself. The music’s volume was very intentful in this case to disturb the guard’s awareness. The light-hearted sense of the music is also a use of irony in the film. It provides a very different mood from the attack happening just outside. The irony is created because the viewer can see the danger that is inevitably heading toward the man, but the guard cannot and instead is surrounded by a happy-go-lucky feeling.

Finally, mise-en-scene is used in a very important manner to provide imperative context for the viewer. Perhaps most noticeable is the costume all of the character’s wear. Because the piece is set in a different era, the clothing helps to show what the particular era is. Lighting is also highly important. Almost all of the shots in the short clip are very dark. The darkness helps set a mood for the movie and viewer. It provides emotional context for the viewer in the way that it shows Agent Carter’s sadness over her loss of Steve. It also shows the intensity of the movie and how it is more high-action. If the movie were made as a comedy for example, the lighting would be much more light in order to convey the humorous mood.

Ultimately, the method and composition of film elements is highly important in the overall meaning a film is trying to convey to viewers. Agent Carter uses camera shots, editing, sound, and mise-en-scene in order to convey the intensity and high-action nature of the movie. The elements leave the viewer feeling a similar emotion the subject’s might be experiencing such as anticipation, urgency, and fear.