Training Day - Conversations in Thrillers

Today, I practiced analysing a clip of a conversation from the movie called "Training Day" by answering the question: 

Analysis of Conversation in Thriller

As we’re watching this clip, the character’s contrasting personality is gradually shown to the viewers by the use of the four microelements: Camerawork, sound, mise-en scene, and editing. The cop (Alonzo) appears to be different and not like other typical policemen as he doesn’t fit the conventions. In this clip, he is wearing black casual clothing without any badges to show that he is a cop. The colour black suggests the idea of him being mysterious and unseen, which could refer to him trying to blend in with other people in order to obtain information. In the shot where he takes out his guns, he is seen as a violent and dangerous man unlike Jake who is harmless. Alonzo also speaks in an unprofessional way as he is occasionally using swear words unlike Jake, who seems to be more polite since he calls Alonzo “Sir”, and says “No thank you” to the waitress.

Alonzo is perceived as more aggressive and dominant than Jake. This is shown in the close up shot of him resting his arms on the top of the sofa in the restaurant where he is listening to Jake telling his story. His posture is wide unlike Jake who seems to have his hands underneath the table most of the time, suggesting vulnerability. Here, Alonzo never breaks his eye contact, reinforcing the connotation of power and dominance over Jake who is constantly breaking eye contact, fidgeting and turning around to look in other directions. Another evidence to support this is the long shot where the two cops are walking across the street to their car. Alonzo is walking quickly in a tall stance ahead of Jake, again highlighting that Jake is his follower, and has less power. Throughout their conversation, Alonzo is speaking more than Jake (more dialogue) therefore shows that he is possibly in a higher position than Jake who gets interrupted several times.

As we approach the end of the clip, Jake starts to become more comfortable with Alonzo. There are fewer close up reaction shots and is replaced with a two shot during the conversation instead. They are both in the frame laughing and telling stories, suggesting a development of their relationship. One of Jake’s hands is above the table, making gestures and starting to become more engaged as he’s telling his “DUI” story.