Continuity Clip Analysis

I will be analysing a clip from 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban'.



Firstly, an extreme long shot is inserted into the clip in order to establish narrative flow. This is to show all the space in which the action is occuring and where the characters are in relation to one another. This is done in the middle of a fairly fast-paced sequence so that the viewer is not disoriented. The wider shots use also include match-on action. For example, in the penultimate shot we see Malfoy and his friends exiting through the archway - an action continuing from a few shots before. Match-on action is also seen when Hermione lowers her wand and when Draco falls to the floor.

The shots also follow the 180 degree rule, for example, when the camera cuts between Hermione pointing her wand at Malfoy and Hermione with Ron and Harry in the background. The 30 degree rule is also followed in the first two shots of Hermione walking. Diegetic sound, like Hermione's dialogue, also establishes narrative flow.

The scene actually breaks a rule by cutting from a close up to an extreme long shot, though I think that in this case it works, as it helps to prolong to tension. Also, (as a sidenote) Hermione's wand seems to magically (no pun intended) change hands before she punches Malfoy in the face.