Stranger Things Textual Analysis

Stranger Things Textual Analysis

Clip One:

The director makes us follow the kids to see how close they are and what they would do for each other, this leads on to when one of them goes missing and they all get together and look for him.

Camera: In this clip there are many different camera movements used for example a Steadicam is used the shows the kids sitting around the table but also to show their surroundings and to set the scene, from the use of the Steadicam it gives it a smooth shot of the room to show that they are down stairs in the basement with low lighting and board game in the middle, this creates a scary setting especially with the game they are playing, due to the close ups of the kids we can see how they take this game very seriously like its more than a game, we find out that Mike has been planning this game for over 2 weeks and they have been playing for over 10 hours. Point of views is also used to show what each of them see’s, this is also a good shot because it shows their facial expressions so we can get a feel of what it would be like for them to be playing the game. To show how much authority the mum has a low angle shot is used from where the kids are standing (at the bottom of the stairs) looking up at his mum who is at the top of the stairs, this makes it look like the mum is looking down on the kids to state her authority.

Editing: The main editing technique used is cut, this is used to show the different camera angles around the room but also keeps the camera close to the kids to show any action that’s going to happen, this links in with fast paced editing that is also used, although there isn’t much action going on there is still fast paced editing used so they the board game feels more real because that’s how it feels for them this represents how they think and act, to them it isn’t just a game it is scary and they need to make quick decisions. Shot reverse shot is also used to show when each kid is talking but also cut from one over the shoulder shot to another.

Sound: Throughout the clip there is diegetic sound used as they is constant talking and discussions on how to play and what moves to make, yet even though there is talking throughout the clip at some parts there is also non diegetic sound due to the background music but also when Mike slams down the board game character there is an extra ‘bang’ added to give it more effect, this shows how bad this is for the game but also how much of an impact it has on the kids.

Mise en scene: In order to make it feel like its filmed in the 80’s there has to be small and big details that give it that feel, for example the pizza box looks old fashioned and out of date, also the bikes don’t look like modern day bikes this makes the audience believes that it was actually filmed then, this also shows how much the kids relied on each other and board games as there wasn’t as much technology and they couldn’t talk over Xbox or PlayStation. At some parts there is backing music that sounds like an 80’s arcade game.

Clip Two:

In this clip we start by seeing how the police officer lives and that he has no routine and sleeps on the couch with empty beer cans around him. The scene then switches to two of the families and how there mornings are, we also see Will's mum start to realise that he has gone missing, all while Mikes family are getting ready for work and school.

Camera: At the start of this clip we see a Steadicam of the main police man’s house to see how he lives in mess and no order or routine. When the scene moves over to the mums of the children there is a tracking shot used to show how busy she is and how many different things she has to do, this could also show how the kids are represented on how much they rely on there mums yet this is just like every other child. 


Editing: In the scene between the two mum on the phones there is cross cutting used to show what both of them are doing while on the phone, this shows how similar there lives are as they are both having to worry about their kids and make their breakfast.


Sound: When the police man wakes up there is diegetic sound used as there are birds and a dog in the background this shows that he isn't organised and doesn't really take his job too serious as he didn't set an alarm he just woke up because of a dog barking. There is also non diegetic sound as there is music in the background but this is a common occurrence through out the series as they like to use music not only because it makes the scene better but because the music links with the 80's feel.


Mise en scene: This clip is very obviously filmed in the morning not only because the police officer just woke up and is getting ready but because of how busy the mothers are as they are in their work clothes but also having to wake the kids up and get breakfast ready. When the officer is in the bathroom he looks into the mirror and blows smoke onto the mirror this gives the feel of the 80's as people didn't really know the negative effects of smoking and all the damage that can be done, also people don't really smoke in their homes now as they know it makes the house stink.