Effect of the frame / distance and camera movement, on the general impact of a scene
In the beginning frames of this extract the elevated medium shot is used effectively to show how the protagonist is out of place in the scene. The shot is at an adequate distance to include surrounding people to show this. The choice to use an aerial, almost birds eye view perspective means that both the man and surrounding workers are in focus allowing for his contrasting clothing and behavior to make him stand out from the rest of the crowd. This perspective is also in-keeping with the rest of the scene - It is a point-of-view shot from the angle of the man observing the protagonist.
The extract also uses camera movement and focus to steer the audiences attention through the scene. In the last frames the audience is very visibly able to focus on the elevated man then main character in a way that suggests the character is being watched and followed. This technique of 'racking focus' in the short scene is almost mimicking a fleeting glance from the protagonist, noticing the man watching him, quickening the tempo and increasing suspense.
The framing of the last part of the scene is also significant to show the body language, or facial expression, of the protagonist, in reaction to being aware that he has been noticed. The low angle framing at this point is also key in showing the relationship between the two characters. While the practicality of having both people in the slightly panning shot is achieved by this angle, it also signifies possible authority or power, as the main character is literally having to look up to him. All of these factors contribute to the fast pace and suspense of the scene, in such a brief space of time. It is not made clear whether the protagonist is sinister but the general impact of the cinematography creates suspicion and ambiguity as to his intentions.
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