FM1 Written Analysis Proposal

The film I am writing about: Das Boot

The scene I am using from Das Boot: “Not Yet Kameraden”

Why I have chosen this scene: I have chosen to analyse this scene because it is very meaningful and I feel there is a lot of write about regarding: what it is about, how meaning is created, the cinematography, sound, light, performance, themes, editing and mise-en-scene.  I also believe that this scene is very high in emotion and is one of the most memorable scenes in the film due to how genuine and heartfelt it is.

These are some points that I could talk about and expand on in my analysis:

•  First shot- mid of all the men cramped together- shows claustrophobic conditions.
•  The red lighting symbolises danger so creates intensity.
• Silent atmosphere- concentration, they are waiting for something to happen.
• When the U-boat jolts, the men jump and so do the audience as we are so engrossed with the scene.
• Close up to show the meter rising- informs the audience on what the men are seeing.
• When it rises, the men cheer and we cannot help but feel happy and relieved with them.
•  Music- pitch is getting higher which symbolises triumph- our heart is racing because we want the U-boat to rise completely.
•  Heavy breathing- relieved, they are in shock of what has just happened.
•   Establishing shot of the ocean- victory music plays which increases in speed as the U-boat rises to the top- shows its immense power and strength as it has emerged from the negativity that prevented it from making any progress.
• The captain opens the roof of the U-boat to climb up and water falls down on him- it is clearly refreshing and he is content to experience such a feeling, it is as if he is climbing up to freedom.
• Medium close up of the men very tightly huddled around the opening- they are breathing in as much air as they can which shows a necessity (pure oxygen) that they have missed and they are relieved to have it back.
•   When one of the engineers is turning on the engines, he looks behind his shoulder for encouragement as he is afraid that they still will not work after spending such a long time trying to fix them.
•  We hear that the engines are working- the chief engineer laughs with extreme relief and happiness and he cannot stop smiling which is very effective and the audience feel very content for him and the other men.
• Triumphant music as the U-boat storms through the sea, the camera moves along with the waves to create a realistic effect.
• Strong waves splash against the men- it is a fresh and better start for them now that the U-boat is up and running.
• Very effective line at the end of the scene: “not yet kameraden, not yet!” meaning “not yet comrades, not yet!”- This shows that they will not allow themselves to be defeated easily.