Total+Recall

In this scene, Hauser's reflection in the mirror hints to the viewer the idea that there may be two realities and causes tension. We are left wondering if this world is the real one. Thus giving the viewer subconciously some doubt. //Very nice observation.// From the low camera angle, Hauser looks more intimidating and thus enhances this mini-interrogation scene's power. Though in this scene, the person being interrogated is starting to put doubt into Hauser, and thus his body takes up a formidable amount of space to indicate he is becoming more scary.

Now that the camera is placed eye level, it is giving us the viewer the idea that now, both the interrogated person and Hauser are shifting powers. It is also creating tension and uncertainty as to who will come out on top. // Why do you think his head is positioned so far down in the frame? //



This scene reinforces the idea of a shift in power as Hauser is now being filmed at eye level. Hauser may be a physical threat, but the interrogated person is now becoming a psychological one in a moment of great uncertainty. The scene is also becoming more intense as the camera is placed closer to his face while their argument becomes more heated.

Now that Hauser's wife has entered, Hauser feels like he is no longer in control of the situation. His wife has shaken up what Hauser has believed was reality. Thus the camera has now shifted to a birds eye view of the room to give the viewer the impression that he is weak now. He is smaller in stature and power.

The camera is now zooming into this medium-close shot, making the viewer feel somewhat uncomfortable and in the scene, Hauser. Especially the way she is looks directly at us makes her even more intimidating. What she is saying is very convincing to Hauser. Now that Hauser has been taken down, she looks very intimidating from this low angle shot. Hauser has now completely shifted power roles in the scene



With this sudden change in distance from any of the characters, the shock of the walls blowing up with people jumping out is much more (for lack of a better word) shocking.