Fish Tank Scene Analysis

As a group, we explored the genre conventions of ‘fish tank’. The genre of this piece is social realism.  This type of genre is portrayed through the use of hand held camera, social issues and non- diegetic issues. Through the use of the hand held camera, the audience becomes more involved in the scene as they see through the eyes of Mia. In addition, the use of non-diegetic sound enhances this effect presenting the audience with the realisation of being within the scene. An example of this is when Mia is asking a man for directions. Whilst walking down the road we see a hand held shot from behind her, the audience view the movement of her head, with camera following as she enters conversation. The use non-diegetic sound supports this statement as the urban scenario is reprsentated with interruption of vehicles passing as conversation continues. Another strong convention through the film, appearing in the scene, is social realism of relationship issues. The issues between Connor and Mia, that include under age sex demonstrated when Connor kisses Mia in the car symbolising isolation around the issue, disagreement as Connor drags Mia always from the house to confront her in a private environment as if he is ashamed and feelings of young love shown my Mia throughout, an example of her body language and facial expressions at the train station reflecting on her actions . The audience can relate to this through personal identification due to the fact they witness this on a personal level.