Narnia film notes scene 2 and 3

The train journey continues the importance of mise en scene within the fantasy genre. There are many extreme long shots and high angled frames, which suggest freedom and adventure for the characters, but allow the appeal for the audience too. The anticipation on the unknown children’s destination is supported through the use of the soundtrack. The girl’s singing voice intensifies the wilderness, but seems to capture a child-like innocence and beauty of passing landscape. This scene makes you proud to be British as the audience can witness the colourful (Walt Disney’s trademark and strength) landscape and architecture. The enormous camera swoops of extreme long shots and high angles of the train passing the countryside gives the audience a sense of awe.
Also, the title effects indicate the fantasy genre perfectly as “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” dissolve onto the screen like magic dust. This suggests the children will have to take part in a magical adventure, which encourages the audience to keep watching.

The scene involving Mr Tumnus and Lucy captures the fantasy genre well. The two characters are sat around a fireplace.

Mr Tumnus begins to play the Narnia lullaby with his two piece flute (an unique prop). A number of eye line matches from Lucy watches the flames in amazement as they begin to take shape and dance in front of her and the audience. This indicates magic and enchantment wow the children audience by special musical powers. The on and screen diegetic sound of the flute become rather hypnotizing as the many cuts between Mr Tumnus, Lucy and the fireplace suggest a sudden danger. As Lucy falls asleep, Mr Tumnus’s music grows suddenly louder and a burst of a lion’s roar and image within the flames interrupts the peaceful scene as the candles instantly blow out.

Scenes like these make the audience wonder what’s going on and are limited on information just like the Lucy character. The magical journey is not only for the characters, but for the audience as well. That’s why I believe the plot is so important to hold back some information for the audience so they can experience the unbelievable.