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Throughout the movie Agent Carter from Marvel, there are noticeable aspects of editing, music, camera shots/angles, and mise-en-scène. Each of these film components contribute to the meaning of the plot as a whole, and ultimately help the filmmaker enhance the storyline.
To start, the film uses the editing technique of parallelism which highlights the differences and similarities between two scenes. In this case, viewers see alternating shots between Peggy and Steve as Peggy sits in an office and Steve is flying an aircraft that is in the line of danger. The similarities between these shots is the panic that is evident in the subjects’ faces, as well as the dramatic orchestra music that follows through with each shot. As for differences, Peggy is in an evidently less threatening environment whereas Steve appears to have his life on the line in the aircraft. This technique enhances the film because it shows how interconnected the characters are emotionally despite being physically separated. Also, leitmotif, which is a shot with a recurring theme, can be seen in the Marvel introduction sequence. This sequence is shown at the start of all Marvel movies, and the sequence sets viewers up with an expectation of the movie through general Marvel themes.
Sound is another technique that is employed in this film, where the film starts off using nonsimultaneous sound. Nonsimultaneous sound is sound in a film that takes place at a different point than in the specific scene it is used in. Non simultaneous sound occurs in the beginning of this film through sound of Steve and Peggy frantically radioing to each other during the flip scene of the Marvel introduction. This sound is important because it sets the film up for a sense of urgency and panic by making the very first scene inclusive of such a panic. Also, non-diegetic sound is used in the beginning of the film through emotional violin music. This sound was added in after the film, and it adds a sense of emotion and pain that the characters are feeling upon Steve’s situation because violin music is incorporated with sadness. Finally, a sound bridge is used to connect the scene from the fighter aircraft to the establishing shot of the city. This carrying of sound helps to relate the scenes which shows how the problems from the original shot are carrying on through time.
Moreover, certain camera shots and angles were used in the film to convey the meaning of the story better. For example, an establishing shot, which is a shot used to set the scene, is used when a wide view of the city is first shown. This view helps viewers to recognize that the setting is NYC, which is a bustling city full of life and action, where intense action will eventually occur for the characters. Also, an over the shoulder shot is used as the two men in Peggy’s case speak to her and as Peggy speaks back to them. This use of over the shoulder in two different ways helps to put the two parties on a more equal playing field, as Peggy is not any weaker than the men.
Finally, aspects of mise-en-scène can also be viewed in this movie. For example, low key lighting with darkness and shadowing is used in the office. This use of lighting develops an understanding that the workers there handle “dark” business, and that for Peggy, this is not necessarily a happy, welcoming place. At one point, however, Peggy is discussing her future with her boss, where the lighting appears of a higher key (ex: brighter lighting with less shadows) which symbolizes hope and joy for her future. Also, in regard to staging, there is a use of blocking in which all of Peggy’s male coworkers are placed near each other as she stands alone which shows how for this time period, men were considered more dominant.
Ultimately, the filmmaker of Agent Carter employed aspects of editing, sound, camera shots/angles, and mise-en-scène to help convey the emotions and meaning the story.
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