The Wave: Sequence 3 - Rampage

Question 1

Mise-en-scene

Answer 1

The Wave logo itself is a graphicwith elemental power, recalling tsunamiimagery or surfers’ tattoos; these connotationssuggest both youthful rebellion and a forcethat will wash away the ‘old order’.
By turning itinto stencils and stickers, the group can asserttheir new collective identity by slapping it or spray-painting it across the town.
Often, theyplace the symbol over existing symbols, whetherit be the ‘enemy’ anarchists, credit card idents,a crucifixion statue, or even on a police car.
The group’s costumes and props are those usually associated with teens: hoodies, face scarves, BMX bikes, and skateboards. This could be a reference to disenchanted, disenfranchised youth and/or the way dictators throughout history (fromMussolini andHitler in the 1930s to Pol Potin Cambodia in the 1970s) have harnessed adolescent rebellion to further their cause.

Question 2

Cinematography

Answer 2

The camerawork in this sequence is mostly handheld and placed among theteenage characters, making us feel like we arepart of The Wave, too.
As the scene continues,the cinematography becomes jerkier, reflecting the excitement and restless energyof the characters, whilst creating a sense of immersion – we are swept up in the rampage as much as the characters (even‘good students’ like Tim and Marco).

Question 3

Editing

Answer 3

The speed of the cutting increasesto an almost frantic pace as the scene progresses,combining with the handheld cameras toexpress the energy and excitement of the group.
Once the rampage begins, there is a montageof jump-cuts of the stickers being slapped onto buildings or the symbol being spray-painted. During this we don’t see any of thecharacters’ faces, connoting that the symbolhas eclipsed their own individual identities.

Question 4

Sound

Answer 4

Diegetic Dialogue: Dialogue: “Anyone can join whobelieves in the cause,” shows how The Waveis erasing social distinctions. Interestingly, they don’t have any political aim or objective,beyond their unity. This again is a typicalfeature of fascism: exploiting people’s need to‘belong’ and revolt against the establishment, with political ideology being secondary.
Fast,percussive electro-funk – ‘Power Control’ by Ronda Ray & Trevor Jackson – connotations of youth, energy. Music genre is current and cool, which adds to the excitement.