Standby

Directed by Charlotte Regan

Produced by Jack Hannon

Titles 

A minimal, clear tile is used to support the subject. Siren lights invade a black background the and a simplistic "Standby" appears in white, before fading back into the shot.

Mise-en-scene 

Costume wise varying iconic police uniform are used, making the one non police outfit particularly stand out. There is a heavy use of monochrome tones; black and white miss-en-scene dominate the shot again highlighting the appearance of a red dress.



A police dog is also featured. Blue and red lighting are used to represent sirens during a chase, the exterior of the police car the location changes, but holds no great significance in relation to the plot.

Sound 

After the foley of a dog panting foreshadows the opening shot, the sound of sirens and walky talkies accompanies the title.

Repeatedly the car door opening and shutting is used to notion the passing of time, this is pared with a group of fast paced shots. Dialogue is used minimally to affect, the senior police officers tone becoming more friendly throughout, until the final harsh spoken line. This stripped back approach to conversation leaves greater interpretation open to gestures and expression.

Cinematography 

The film is entirely framed for a two-shot, meaning when an officer leaves the frame, the shot appears empty - something is missing.

Symmetry between the police dog and the senior officer's expression is used to highlight his personality.

Lighting contrasts create common ground between the two characters; as working through night and day scenes is abnormal in comparison to a common lifestyle, and an experience the characters share. 

Genre and representation

This film fits neatly into the drama category,  as a story with settings and life situations that portray realistic characters in conflict with either themselves or others.

The film represents both genders, with the authority figure being male. The film both enforces and strays from gender stereotypes; having a female officer in a male dominated profession is not stereotypical, however both characters dress in accordance to gender - with the female officer wearing a dress etc. 

With a cast count of three the film would struggle to incorporate many minorities. Multiple ethnicities are represented however with a young black man having being arrested. This enforces the assumption that black men are criminally inclined.