80 minutes analysis

high maintenance
This looks at 2 people at a table conversing with one another. The general colour scheme of black which coincide with the low key lighting to create a subdued and calm feeling towards this sequence and hence a feeling of mystery to the rest of the setting. I can use this by showing vague parts of mise-en-scene within the setting to reveal small parts of the protagonist. Only diegetic sound also creates a greater realist sense to the films feeling yet, it creates a feeling of discomfort with the eeriness of heaving every noise made loudly. the sound of eating and chewing sounds maximised to display that emotion; causing this opening scene to be more cringe worthy.
the sudden turn of throwing wine and raising the voice from a light tone to a loud one shows the unhappiness of this female

Curfew 

‘Richie’ is a character who is presented as being that of mystery. From the beginning we see him in a bath full of blood self-harming which instantly creates a reaction of confusion and wonder as to why he’s doing this. The mise-en-scene of using black leather clothing and jeans in contrast to his whitened, pale face shows the unhealthy lifestyle of ‘Richie’. As developed, the character of ‘Richie’ leads us to try and figure out whether he is the protagonist or the antagonist. This is shown at 5½ minutes in. the low angled shots showing ‘Sophia’ looking up to the satanic looking paintings and statues demonstrates elements of intimidation what with the low angle shots of her looking up to what would look native to ‘Richie’ and his world. This use of good in a bad environment acts to be like a light in the attic effect; seeing a young, innocent girl in such a bad place leads to a feeling of empathy for this girl and worry. The instant lead on from this of ‘Richie's’ redemption shows, as far as spectatorship goes, not to be too judgemental as he was collecting flip books and not (what-seemed-like) drugs. This character development mechanism can be used to mislead the spectator and, therefore, build a caring trust for the protagonist. 

The use of mise-en-scene to show us ‘restraining order’ and ‘harassment’ in bold letters on a piece of paper helps create an enigma. Even at the end, it creates question as to what these papers are about. Focusing on this, the black eye and bruised face of ‘Sophia’s’ mother with the lack of a father leads us to add two and two together. Domestic abuse from the father seems to be the most feasible option. This use of mise-en-scene shows a lot about what happens in ‘Maggie's’ life with her struggles. I can employ this with little hints of mise-en-scene to show a form of emotion or even to create an enigma from the start. 

Curfew begins with the non-diegetic music of ‘the flower duet’ which is a piece of classical music. The title of this could be foreshadowing of the two characters in which we’re exposed to. Seeing both grow on one another and build as a duet. The music fits the introductory scene in producing this unorthodox character of ‘Richie’. Non-diegetic music plays a large part in ‘Curfew’ ranging from classical 19th century music at the beginning to modern electro music at a bowling alley. These quick changes of sound distinct a change in mood and aid the setting. For example, the sequence at 1:42 depicts ‘Richie’ cleaning up his blood into a sink in a large rush to “we’ll meet again” by Vera Lynn presents an unorthodox and potentially toxic character.  

The use of sound in moments of important is, too, very important in demonstrating conflict and importance. At 3 minutes into Curfew, the only sound produced is diegetic sound from ‘Richie’ and ‘Sophia’ as they talk. This is used to point an active focus to the twos conversation and expose the disliking ‘Sophia’ has for Richie’. This is important as it centres a first impression of how ‘Sophia’ has been socialised by her mother to create a disliking for the protagonist ‘Richie’. This enables an enigma to be created upon why he is such a regretful, poor and disliked character by his sister and niece causing a more active viewer experience as one must figure out why he isn’t liked throughout this story.