Saving Private Ryan Analysis

Saving Private Ryan Analysis

Saving Private Ryan starts with a tilted angle shot of the violent waves of the ocean, which establishes the scene where all the action takes place. The scene then changes to a medium shot of the soldiers in a convoy travelling to the shore. The camera then does several close ups of shaking hands, soldiers faces, soldiers vomiting, and soldiers praying. These close ups of the soldiers give a sense of fear and it makes the audience feel very sympathetic towards them. The close up of the soldiers praying also makes the audience feel that they're going to die. 

The director uses a close up of the handle on the boat, which builds up the tension and it gets the audience all riled up. In the scene there is lots of point of view shots which makes the audience feel like they are there, and more involved in the film and apart of the experience.

A P.O.V shot is then used from the enemy gunner, the director also uses a high angled shot which shows indications of the other soldiers being no threat to them, and the enemy team is more superior. It makes the soldiers from the boat seem weak and vulnerable. It suggests that the soldiers are going to be killed.

A handheld camera is also used in the scene, which makes the audience feel like one of the soldiers and more involved in the action. The shakiness of the camera also indicates that the soldier is scared and afraid. The handheld camera also makes it feel more realistic.