The Ellington Kid

This extreme close-up shot at the very beginning starts to build the tension introducing the themes of knives for the second time. The loud unique sounds in this sequence, preparing us for the quick and sharp story-telling that proceeds.

This shot of the bell ringing increases the tension further, by telling the audience that the antagonists have entered. By not clearly showing their faces in this scene, makes sure not to humanise the danger. This day-to-day sound of a bell ringing further juxtaposes the danger it represents.

The angle looking up at him, elevating his status, causing the audience to find him more threatening. In combination with the choice to have his shouting cut out allows the audience to fill in the gap with what they would personally find threatening, creating a more vivid image. The contrast between the swerving shots of the gang and the perfectly still shots of the shop workers layers on an unnerving atmosphere, as we would expect the workers to be shaky and nervous, but instead they are perfectly calm.

This steady shot of a controlled hand coming into the shot and taking the knife switches the power dynamic in the room as the intentions of the shop workers begins to come to light.

This shot is especially powerful, as they threatening eye-line remains unmoving on the gang members, reaching over to take the blade, without even having to look. Continuing to present their total lack of fear.

This shot once again takes a mundane object, and inserts danger. An open/close sign that a minute before represented safety for the stab victim, now symbolises the peril of the gang members.