“True Grit” – Sequence Task – Suspense

TASK - Choose a sequence from a film in which an atmosphere of suspense is created.Describe what happens in the sequence, explaining how the techniques used by the film makers create this atmosphere.

  • SUSPENSE – A feeling of excitement or anxiety (worry, nervousness, concern) caused by having to wait for something - the outcome of a sequence of events.

Sequence – Rooster’s final confrontation with Ned Pepper’s gang

We feel SUSPENSE because we question:

  • Will Rooster defeat the gang? – He’s outnumbered.If he loses will he die?
  • Does this mean Mattie and Le Boeuf will be in danger?
  • Will Le Boeuf successfully shoot Ned Pepper from so far away?

Para 1 – Introduction

  1. Identify the name of the film and the directors – The Coen Brothers.
  2. Describe the sequence and how it relates to the film.
  3. Briefly explain WHY the sequence has an atmosphere of SUSPENSE.
  4. Explain you will look at camera shots, sound, features of character… to show how the directors successfully create suspense.

Para 2 – Brief Summary

  • Briefly explain what the film is about. It should be very brief as the film has a simple plot.

EXPLAIN :

  • Mattie’s goal in the whole film.
  • Who was with her and why were they there? – Rooster, Le Boeuf, Ned Pepper etc.
  • What happened just before this sequence?
  • What made the scene full of suspense? What might happen if Rooster is defeated?

Para 3 + - PEEL Paragraphs

You now need to go on to write about the sequence in more detail.

You MUST focus on HOW the directors create SUSPENSE.

POINT – Make a clear statement related to SUSPENSE – Why are we anxious / nervous?

EVIDENCE – Identify what is happening – Which camera shots are used? Sound / music?

EXPLAIN – How does the event / camera shot / music add to our feelings of worry / fear?

- Why does the director choose to use that particular technique at that time?

LINK – Relate this to what might happen next and how it impacts on the audience – Give your personal reaction to this part of the sequence.

EXAMPLE – POINT – When La Boeuf says Rooster “returns for Lucky Ned” the audience feels an atmosphere of suspense already as we know Rooster is in danger taking on four men on his own.

EVIDENCE –The Coen brothers use a combination of wide shots and close-ups to emphasise that Rooster is on his own and seems to have little chance of victory against four men. One wide shot shows a view from up on the hill clearly showing us that the gang of four are against Rooster while also showing Mattie and La Boeuf.EXPLAIN–This choice of shot suggests that not only is Rooster likely to die but that Mattie and La Boeuf are too far away to help him. Rooster seems to be isolated which makes us fear for him. LINK –This early example in the sequence already builds suspense as we don’t want Rooster to die but it looks almost impossible for him to survive. Viewers feel nervous but want to continue to watch to see if he can defeat the evil gang as he had mentioned examples earlier in the film where he had taken on similar situations and survived.

Go on to write 4 or 5 PEEL paragraphs of your own. You could look closely at:

  • Cutting between medium shot of Rooster and wide shot of the gang to emphasise Rooster on his own. He looks confident – WILL HE SUCCEED?Close up of Mattie looking scared and saying “One against four, it is ill advised”.
  • Close up of Rooster confidently telling Ned, “I mean to kill you in one minute Ned” –This makes us believe he might be successful? Close up of Ned making us think Rooster won’t win – “I call that bold talk for a one-eyed fat man”. WHO WILL WIN?
  • Dramatic / heroic music starts as Rooster rides towards the gang – Close-ups of Rooster preparing his guns and putting the reins in his mouth – He is prepared to win – But will he?
  • Medium shot of Rooster killing one of the gang – Gives us confidence in possible victory?

Cut to wide shot up on the hill – Mattie and La Boeuf look worried. Mattie says “Shoot them Mr La Boeuf” – La Boeuf replies “Too far, moving too fast”. This tells us they can’t help Rooster – Builds suspense…WHAT WILL HAPPEN?

  • Medium Shot – Rooster is hit but quickly returns fire and kills another gang member. A medium/close-up of the victim smashing his face (sound effects) and blood splattering encourages us Rooster is succeeding. WILL HE WIN?
  • Over the shoulder shot of Ned shooting at Rooster makes us fear for Rooster’s survival.

Rooster is hit – Director cuts to close-up of Mattie – She is shocked and worried – SUSPENSE for her and the audience – WILL ROOSTER SURVIVE?

  • Cutting between medium shot of Rooster who is helpless on the ground, Ned Pepper who is on his horse (Medium shot) and La Boeuf (close-up) who is trying to line up a difficult shot at Ned Pepper to save Rooster. WILL LA BOEUF SUCCEED? The SUSPENSE builds!
  • Music almost falls silent as La Boeuf prays “Oh Lord” and an extreme close-up emphasises his concentration. SOUND of gunshot stands out (no music) – Extreme long shot of Ned on his horse – There is a deliberate PAUSE as SUSPENSE builds – HAS ROOSTER MISSED?
  • Close-up of Mattie and Rooster looking worried. Cut to extreme long shot again and after another pause Ned eventually falls from his horse. Cut to close-up of Ned hitting the ground with thump sound effect.
  • Close-up of Mattie’s look of happiness as she realises La Boeuf has been successful. La Boeuf looks shocked – LINKS to our doubts / fears of his likely success.

CONCLUSION

  1. Clearly refer back to the task – Explain why this scene is exciting and full of suspense.
  1. Explain WHY this scene is important to the whole film – Characters / Plot / What happens next?
  1. Tell the reader which part / technique / example was MOST successful –

E.g. The part of the sequence which was I felt was most full of suspense was when La Boeuf had just aimed and shot at Ned Pepper and… EXPLAIN why this part was so important.

  1. Give your personal reaction to the TASK and link this to the WHOLE FILM –

E.g. I really enjoyed this scene as at the start I felt Rooster had no chance of victory but…

OR - This scene was similar to other parts of the film such as when Rooster tries to save Mattie and we don’t know if she will live….

OR - Suspense was very important to the whole film and the Coen brothers…