Toy Story

Media Language

Analysis of …

SoundIn the animated film Toy Story 3 there are many diegetic and non-diegetic noises which create an effect for the audience and create a sense of knowing who each character is. For example, the scene starts with low deep build up music as we are introduced to "Mr Potato Head" who is playing the role of a villain at the time. This creates a dramatic effect as it draws the audience in as the antagonist ins introduced. As he enters through the train window, the sound of an explosion occurs which could indicate that everything is going to go downhill. The audience may also link the sound of the explosion which creates a negative effect to the antagonist as they are both creating danger. The music at this point when the evil character is shown is fast paced, and deep with lots of instrumental. However when we are introduced to a new character ‘Woody’ it is clear he is the hero as the music changes to a lighter tone and more mellow which could indicate to a viewer that because of his presence things will soon get better. When the frame is focused on one character in the scene the music seems to change to fit the characters personality; it changes back and forth to dramatic tension music, to a more lighter settled tone.

Diegetic soundsThere are also diegetic sounds such as the jingle of money, the crank of Woody’s whip, the footsteps of Woody’s boots, the galloping of the horses hooves, the sound of bleeping of the bomb detonator, and the beep of the car horn which all help to set the scene through very detailed sounds. These diegetic sounds help the audience understand the character’s roles better. For example the jingle of money creates the sense that the villain is motivated by money and is willing to do anything to get money. The sound of Woody’s shoes and whips add to the characterization of a stereotypical cowboy. Furthermore, there are also effects of sounds edited in: for example, when One Eyed Betty is fighting with Woody there are ‘swooping’ sounds whenever she moves or jumps.

Mise en scene During the 2 minute scene, the main character, Woody, is wearing a cowboy costume: Cowboys typically symbolise or represent a spirit of independence and self-reliance. The American cowboy “lives what he believes, and is a man of substance, strength and courage.” Woody shows signs of strength and courage when risking his life to save the orphans from plummeting to their death in result of the bridge being destroyed by Mr Potato Head. He also puts his life on the line to try fight off the two evil characters. Cowboy symbols can be detected by symbols such as cowboy hats, cowboy boots, spurs, horses, and belt buckles which are all evident from Woody’s appearance. In comparison the villains are shown to be wearing bandanas and eye patches which can be shown as disguises as they appear to be covering their identity. By there clothing, appearance and relationship between each other it is clear that both characters are actual partners (husband and wife). The scene is also set in a deserted landscape which adds to the action scene as there is no one to help.

Cow boy hat

Western boots with cactus

Gun holder

Gold sheriff medal

Western Belt

Bandana

Spurs

Camera Work • Tracking shot of the train which also establishes the

setting and shows the surrounding.• High angle shot which establishes Mr Potato as the

weaker character.• Close up shot which shows Woody’s shocked

expression when One Eyed Betty is introduced to the scene.

• Long shot which shows the action happening between Woody and One Eyed Betty, but also incudes the setting.

• Low angle shot which shows Mr Potato and One Eyed Better look bigger than they are.