How are sound, camera and mise en scene used to effect in this scene of Holyoake’s?

During this scene there are four characters (if you include the child in the car). The first character that appears in the scene is Max. On first impression he seems quite dark and quite ill in his complexion. This is the same when analysing the dress code of the other characters whose clothing is predominately dark. Dark colours play a key part in the making of this scene, for example the colour purple is used effectively to portray what seems to be death and fear. This is seen where Max is drowning and his face turns purple, whilst Claire is wearing a purple top. The semantics of purple is that of bruising and pain which is portrayed during this scene. Once OB is brought into the scene the audience sees him as being somewhat of a saviour due to his dress code that of which is quite dissimilar to that of Claire and Max. His clothing is quite bright and this may suggest that he is an angel-type figure in this scene.

The fact that this scene is shot in the woods adds further to the effect of darkness portrayed through the characters clothing. The woods being quite a weary and dull place to be, adds extra effect to the scene that is trying to be captured. During this scene the lake can be seen as being somewhat symbolic, due to the use of the incidental and non-diegetic music that is played. The water could symbolise life just drifting away.

Camera shots and mise en scene are used effectively in this scene to create the image of power amongst Claire. The fact that she wears all black could suggest the femme fatal image about her being cold and evil. Moreover to make Claire look even more dangerous and fearful, she uses a red jacket to lure Max to the water. The semantics of red being stop and or danger adds to Claire wanting to be dominant over the other characters.
To add to the mise en scene when creating power through Claire the producers have used many high and low angled shots which showcase Claire’s dominance over the other characters in the scene.

To add further to my earlier point of the death and fear being implied in this scene, there is a death-like atmosphere amongst the woods and the characters. Furthermore, the incidental and non-diegetic music that is used accompanies this. Music in this case is very effective as it creates the atmosphere in the scene. One example can be seen where OD is running to save Max who is drowning, the music that is played in non-diegetic, and suggests death.