STRANGER THINGS - LESSON 2: SCENE ANALYSIS

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SOUND ANALYSIS:
There is a use of an 80s music sound bridge as a non-diegetic sound device. This acts as a transitional indicator of a changing setting in order to move the plot along. In the scene it helps to establish a safety in the Wheeler's home, contrasting later sound in the Byer's home, along with a safety when Will is with his friends whilst conforming to the historical 80s setting of the show.


CAMERA ANGLE ANALYSIS:
The use of a low-level POV shot from Mike's perspective helps to place Mrs Wheeler as a dominant figure over Mike in the scene. This establishes the coming of age genre in the plot and embeds the idea of a child vs parent ideology, placing the audience as mike. This further extends the TA to both people who grew up in the 80s and kids today, putting older viewers back into a child's perspective in order to view the show through the protagonist's (mike) eyes and put him in a relatable position.

 MISE-EN-SCENE ANALYSIS:
The intertextual references to D&D helps to establish the boys position as 'nerdy' characters and unlikely heroes in the plot. This is furthered by the costume choices and the basement setting, typical of gaming culture. These references to the 80s further develops the setting along with the sci-fi genre, almost foreshadowing their journey to come throughout the series and how they will have to develop through the show in order to face those challenges.

EDITING ANALYSIS:
The editorial enhancement of the high-key lighting insinuates horror before fading to black, preparing for a scene transition. This slow fade gives the audience time to reflect on the previous chaos and give contrast to the excitement of the previous scene. It brings an anticlimax in a way, establishing the mystery theming of the show and starting the chain of events in the A-plot of the series. The fade juxtaposes the clear cuts used earlier on in the episode that built tension, whereas this lets an uneasy feeling sit with the audience, questioning where Will has gone.

 HELPFUL LINK:
The first 8 minutes of Stranger Things

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