'9' - Cinematography

'9' - Cinematography


The first shot of this clip from the movie '9' shows 'Stitchpunk' number '9' (right) and the leader number '1' (left) standing in front a stained-glass window. The camera is positioned to produce a low-angle shot; this draws attention to the stained-glass window and the shadow of one of the movie's few antagonists as it flies past. The camera is also set to capture a wide shot. This technique gives the shot a huge frame which is used to showcase the sheer size of the threat in comparison to the protagonists - creating a response of excitement within the audience.

 When the 'Winged Beast' enters through the window, It knocks over a lit torch. A very quick (almost a 'Whip Pan') panning shot shows the torch hitting the ground and the fire beginning to profusely spread. We see the fire continue to spread during this 'Matte shot' as seen in the accompanying picture - with the fire spreading as the background subject, while the 'Winged Beast's' presence dominates the foreground. This is also a POV shot from the protagonists; notice how the frame is quite claustrophobic, this conveys to the audience the fact that the hero's options are limited. The stand-off between the Winged Beast and the 'Stitchpunks', all the while the surrounding area is being engulfed in flames, acts as a metaphorical ticking clock. The protagonists must make a decision fast, this leaves the audience on edge during the scene.

The 'Stitchpunks' (1, 8 and 9) are later let loose from the Winged Beast's grasp and make it outside, only to be later hunted down by it again. A wide, tracking shot follows '1' and '8' as they sprint across the tower's roof, being pursued by the Winged Beast. This tracking shot lets the audience follow the
protagonists while they're desperately running for their lives. The tracking accentuates the looming threat; the wideness of the shot creates a frame big enough to show-off the antagonist's malevolent and enormous form in comparison to the protagonists. In the accompanying picture, the Winged Beast in seen flying overhead - it's form blocks out the sun which showcases the creature as dark and evil. This also suggests to the audience that there is no escape for the Stitchpunks, as the large frame shows how much free space the Winged Beast has for it's 'hunting ground' and how little escape options the protagonists have left. This thrilling scene creates suspense for the audience - it puts them on edge as they are reminded that the odds are in the antagonist's favour.