"Donnie Brasco" (Independent Research)

Donnie Brasco (2 May 1997) Director:Mike Newell

The opening credits of the film start of with a white font upon a black background. It then cross fades into an extreme close-up shot of a a set of eyes. Different effects such as overlaying transitions and images are then used to paint a picture of the film and the characters. The film soundtrack then cuts in which is the sound of violins playing which create tension.


The opening shot of this film starts with a close-up of a character, the non-diagetic sound of voices. All of the main characters are established with the opening few moments. A photolense shot is then seen from a different perspective, looking through the scope of a camera. The shot taken of 'Donnie Brasco' (Jonny Depp) in the the photobooth connotes his trapped emotions or the situation he is in, at this time the non-diagetic sound of sirens can be heard in the background connoting the possibility of something bad occurring.

Noir lighting is used to great effect in the film, this shown in the opening film sequence in the moon-lit streets the characters feature on. The use of the first two-shot in the film, is used to show both main characters, 'Donnie Brasco' and 'Benjamin "Lefty" Reggiero' (Al Pacino) which connotes their closeness to one another, a growing bond between them.

Many shots are taken whilst the characters are in vehicles, the use of a close-up through the windscreen. When in the bar brawling with a member of the barstaff the low-angle shot shows the character 'Brasco's' dominance over him.


The cuts used are all simular, simple that lead into the next scene rarely they fade into one another. The shot of the bridge in the sunset connotes something good on the horizon, it could also connote hope.

It then cuts suddenly to an extreme close-up of the revolving letter print of a typewriter printing details on the character 'Lefty' onto a document, however the identity of the writer is unknown connoting mystery.

The generic signifier of wet/damp streets connotes mystery and illusion. transitions of stills images are used to show the characters being tracked, the camera movement also connotes this.
Women within the film are portrayed as 'serving wenches' doing everything such as cook and look after the kids, a house-wife role.
With each two-shot used the camera draws closer to the main characters again showing a futhermore growing bond between 'Donnie' and 'Lefty'. The costume worn by the characters is that of being a suite and suite trousers, many off them were a trilby hat, often associated with mafia gangs in America.

The use of the aerial shot sets the scene of were the film takes place (New York) a major scene for gangsters in the late 70's/ early 80's.
'Donnie' starts to become attached to the mafia group putting them before his family, when arguing and when laying together the soundtrack from the opening credits begin playing which connote a sense of passion or sympathy for the partner of 'Donnie'.
A sudden cut then shows 'Donnie' driving (close-up), on a bridge. The structure of the bridge reflects upon the car windshield which could connote the possible future of the character possibly being locked-up if he stays with the gang.
A change of scenery again as the characters of the gang find themselves at an airport, The tempo of the soundtrack increases. 'Lefty' is led into a dark, unlit hanger, connoting fear, panic and claustrophobia. At the flick of a lightswitch the lighting comes on. a close-up of a lion in cage.
In a way the lion could represent the personality of 'Lefty'.
Often the dark scenes all connote violence, tension and fear.




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NewqTCakQ3Q

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