Analysis of the 'Clubbed to Death Scene' of Heavenly Creatures

Director: Peter Jackson 
Writers:  Fran Walsh, Peter Jackson

Cast

Melanie Lynskey - Pauline Parker
Kate Winslet - Juliet Hulme
Sarah Peirse - Honora Parker
Diana Kent - Hilda Hulme
Clive Merrison - Dr. Henry Hulme

Simon O'Connor - Herbert Rieper

I am going to analyse the mise-en-scene of the 'Clubbed to death scene of Heavenly Creatures

Camera Angles and Movement

The scene first starts off with a Two Shot of of Pauline and Juliet sitting in the bus. The use of the two shot shows the difference of personality and characteristics between the two of them. Pauline looks like she is really eager and would want to go on and kill her mother while Juliet is seen having second thoughts about what she is about to do, with her seen as anxious and really scared.

The scene then cuts to a Long shot of all of the characters walking through the park. The use of the Long shot establishes location, which in this case would be a big open wide space of park, Juliet's facial expressions shows that she is anxious and should be careful with about they are going to do.

The scene then cuts to a close-up shot of the clock in the bakery. The use of the clock is a Thriller convention because of the chronological order of when things happen. Where and when were they at a specific time.

The scene then cuts to a Medium-close up of Pauline and Juliet. The use of the Medium close-up brings focus to the characters which in this case both Juliet and Pauline. They are both seen as being nervous and anxious about their plan because it is taking so long because Pauline's mother decided to go and have some dessert  and the time is ticking for them, whether or not they should kill Pauline's mother.

The scene then cuts to a Long shot of the scenery. The use of the Long shot establishes location, which in this case would be a very big park with them being isolated and away from prying eyes and no one seeing what it is that Juliet and Pauline would do.

Peter Jackson then repeatedly uses Close-up shots of the characters body parts, the bag of Pauline and the faces of all three characters. The use of the close-up shot was to identify with the character's emotions which shows that Juliet is scared and anxious while Pauline shows confusion and that she looks like she doesnt know what she is doing.

The scene then cuts to a Low Angle shot of Pauline standing with a brick and her Mother trying to pick up a Jewel that she saw on the ground. The use of the Low Angle shot shows Power/Status and that Honora who is the Parental figure for Pauline isn't powerful anymore and that she is much more vulnerable.

The scene then cuts to a Close-Up shot of Pauline crying after she had just hit her own Mother with a brick. The use of the Close-up shot was to allow the audience to see Pauline's emotions, which is that she is gonna regret what she is doing but she still continues on and do it.

The scene quickly to a High Angle shot of Honora on the floor in agony. The purpose of a High Angle shot is to show vulnerability of a character, which in this case shows Honora being weak and vulnerable. It also shows her begging for mercy for Pauline and Juliet to stop (which they won't).

The scene then cuts to a close-up shot of Pauline crying in the docks. The purpose of the close-up shot was to show what Pauline was feeling, which is that she didn't get the chance to get away with the only friend that she could've had, not only did she not get away, she has also lost her family. She killed her own Mother and her father doesn't wanna see her again after what she's done.

Lighting

In this scene, Peter Jackson uses Natural Ambient throughout this scene, the use of Natural Ambient light increases suspense in the scene.

Sound

In this scene Peter Jackson uses a variety of Diagetic and Non-Diagetic sound which includes the dialogue between the three characters (Pauline, Juliet and Honora) and the use of soundtrack from Madame Butterfly which is the Humming Chorus. (Feel free to listen below)

Costume

The characters are seen wearing big and long coats which were very popular in the early 50's. The use of the big coats buttoned up shows as if they're hiding their shame, what about they are going to do to Pauline's mother, trying to cover up their tracks.