Spooks Analysis

             Spooks Questions

ACTION A - In the office

What is happening?

We are shown a building with an office that is fairly modern with high computer technology, used in the sequence to encrypt files. The characters inside the office are dressed formally, as part of the MI5. The sequence has cross shots which show two locations, one being a warehouse. These people look very mysterious, we can tell they are on a mission for something of high importance. They see placing valuable items in a box, then a man leaves the warehouse with a briefcase.

What information are you given?

Few words are spoken in both locations, but we can infer that they are trying to uncover information of certain people using the computer. The lighting used is very dim and have low light, this portrays a darkness to the theme, showing that he situation is serious and could be dangerous. The camera is hidden behind the door increasing suspicion.

What information is withheld?

We don't understand why the characters are encrypting the files or what the box is, we can only learn that a crime needs to be prevented urgently.

Why is the sequence important?

The use of cross cutting creates tension and shows two completely difference situations that will link at some point. This makes the sequence more exciting and is an easy comparative for the audience.

Why do we need to see the other scenes in between these scenes?

The method used is needed in this sequence because it keeps the pace of the clip fast so the audience don’t lose interest in what is going on, it is like a continuity edit because although the time isn’t completely jumped the fast pace gives it that impression. The compression matches the thriller crime theme well so its genre is easily recognised by the audience and is understood. It also helpful in giving the audience different perspectives of the story, so they can relate to the characters more and feel in control of what they see, knowing more than each side of the argument creates tension and can be gut wrenching.

ACTION B-The thieves get ready.

why do you think we cut to see this action in-between the scenes at MI5?

It keeps your attention on particular aspects of the scene, you don’t get distracted by other elements of the scene, so you can see what the writer wants you to see, enabling you to feel the full effect of the thriller, to have an emotional attachment to the storyline. This keeps up suspense and builds higher interest in the outcome of the sequence.

What did you/do you think they are doing when we saw them firstly?

As I didn’t know Spooks before I wasn’t fully sure of the typical storylines in an episode. However, when watching it, my first thoughts were that the warehouse was part of the office and that they were part of the MI5 and were preparing for a mission. But by comparing the two locations properly I thought they might be enemies.

What clues do you use to make sense of their inclusion?

The differences in location and how one was more action packed and in strict conditions (Screen shot G) and the other one was more calm and they were working with computer technology, types used with detectives, crime investigators rather than clothing and physical objects. (Shots H, I, K)

Why do we see less of the thieves?

They don’t want to give too much away of what the thieves are doing, as it will erase sense of mystery, they want you to take sides with the MI5 and if they showed too much of the thieves characters and personalities are perceptions might change, which writers don’t want.

How soon do we know what they are doing? Why does it take so long?

The use of dim light and darkness additional to the crane shot of the action, we look down for a short while on the action, meaning we are not given too much detail in what they are planning, in order to keep the mystery, all of these effects make the scene look disobedient. The props such as the box that has had good emptied into it broadens the detail of action; however we do not understand what it really means of the need for it. The briefcase scanner increases the professionalism of the sequence and highlights the seriousness of what is about to happen, also portraying a secret or hidden information, keeping its meaning uncertain.