How is camerawork used in this extract of 'shameless'

Shameless uses many types of camera angles and shots to create certain effects that focus the audience on the important characters and storylines in the programme. For example, in the opening shot there is a deep focus shot with Marty in the foreground and two people talking in the background. All the characters are in focus but Marty is at the front of the shot, showing that he is an important character. Where as at the back two people are talking separate from Marty showing the secretive, important conversation they are having. This is then followed by a medium, close up shot of this conversation that shows the intensity.

It then cuts to a high angle, long shot looking down on Marty in his bedroom on his own. This shows his isolation and almost looks like a CCTV angle, as we are watching him, it also shows his isolation and emotions as he is in a dark room on his own. Which tells the audience that he is upset and thinking about something. This then jumps to a close up of Marty which shows the emotion on his face, to let the audience see what he is feeling.

It then jumps to a close up of a tracking shot which is following a car, keeping it in the centre of the shot, this lets the audience know that the people in that car are important to the storyline, when the audience does not know who is in the car yet.

The audiences focus is then taken back to Marty who walks straight passed the camera, to shows the speed and urgency of where he is going. It then cuts to another shot of Marty walking along a street the camera, then tilts down to his hand to focus the audience on what he is carrying, which is petrol. This is followed by a low angle shot under the car showing Marty approach. This is a danger shot and also tells the audience that they are not on Marty’s side as the camera is on the other side to him. The shots then start to jump from medium shot to close ups, which shows the instability of Marty and tension that is mounting in this situation.

An over the shoulder shot is also used looking over Marty’s shoulder showing the lighter in his hand which adds to the danger as the audience knows what could happen if he drops it. Two shots are used to show the conversation between people who are there and a master shot is used to show the growing number of people that have come to see what is going on. This is followed by a close up of the lighter being taken off him and then a close up of the dropped cigarette, which shows the narrative developing and focuses the audience on the threat.

Finally, there is a shot of the car in flames, as the owner of the car looks over at it on fire the camera pans across with him showing how distressed and angry he is about the situation.