SPACED Season 2: Episode 5 ‘Gone’ 11:33 – 15:22

‘Gone’ is the fifth episode of the second season of the Channel 4 situation comedy ‘Spaced’ which was broadcast in two short series which lasted from 1999 to 2001. The series starred Simon Pegg, Nick Frost and Jessica Hynes and every episode was directed by Edgar Wright. ‘Gone’ revolves around two of the characters (Tim and Daisy) getting into an ordeal with local youths, as well as making an encounter with Tim’s nemesis ‘Benzie’ whilst at a bar.

A wide range of different camera shots and angles are utilized within the episode, particularly within the aforementioned timeframe (11:33 – 15:22). The specific types of shot which are present all do well to convey meaning in a certain way. For example, a ‘Swish Pan’ shot is used at 11:33 as a transition between two separate shots, each one depicting a different scene. The camera pans horizontally to the right so fast that both images appear to blur together; the technique is clearly used with the intention of representing a flashback which takes place within Daisy’s mind as the character suddenly remembers a past encounter she had with an unknown male character. This same technique is also used at the end of the scene at the bar as a transition to the following scene which takes place on the streets outside. A series of eye-level shots (in which the shots were taken at the height of normal vision) are also present at 11:34 – 11:43 during the conversation between Tim and Daisy at the bar. This shot was clearly utilized with the purpose of enabling the audience to establish a connection with the characters on-screen, mainly because the audience can see the characters clearly.

During the conversation between Tim and one of the local boys (the latter of which is represented as a hostile character), medium close-up shots are used (11:51 – 12:40) and these clearly show the facial features of the two characters in order to give the audience an idea regarding the emotions of the characters. The audience should be able to understand that Tim is growing increasingly anxious as the scene progresses as opposed to the youth who becomes angry, thus creating a strong sense of juxtaposition between the two. This does well to establish the relationship between the two characters as the scene unfolds. The use of a Reaction Shot is also effective in this scene as it implies that the youth is somewhat shocked when Tim begins to make conversation with him. The shot also implies that the youth has criminal intent and is wary of other people. At 12:45, a Zoom is used. This is made obvious through the simulation of camera movement towards the youth as he looks over his shoulder at Tim, which may have been accomplished via a variable focal length lens. This specific shot does well to create tension.

When Tim exits the restroom and finds Daisy making conversation with Benzie, he has a series of flashbacks (12:58 – 13:21) which act as information regarding events which have occurred between Tim and Benzie in the past and do well to establish the reason why Tim resents Benzie whilst also establishing the relationship between the flashbacks and the scene occurring in the present. This is accomplished through usage of ‘Cross-Cutting’, the alteration of shots depicting two or more different locations in a single scene. The audience is invited to establish the relationship between the two scenes as a result. During the sequence involving the flashbacks, an establishing shot is used (14:03) in order to represent the woods where the flashback is taking place. The use of an establishing shot does well to evoke humour in this case due to the fact that the woods are shown very briefly (the primary focus is Tim accidently

injuring Benzie, possibly resulting in their resentment of each other). Both characters are arranged in a specific manner during this scene; they are shown to be facing each other and this does well to establish the rivalry between the two even though they are still friends in the flashback.

During the conversation between Tim and Benzie at the bar, Primal Control is used in regard to the composition of the scene. Primal Control is defined as where power dynamics are in regard to the arrangement of characters, type of shot used etc. in a scene. It is considered an ideal way to advance storytelling, primarily because the filmmakers would be able to imply which character is the most intimidating. Benzie is clearly represented as the person who has power during the confrontation, mainly through his posture, confident tone of voice and use of a low-angle shot from the side which creates the impression that Benzie is ‘looking down’ on Tim, obviously seeing him as a weak person. This technique is useful because it enables the audience to understand who the antagonist is and what his personality is like. An insert shot is also used at 15:09; the keys left behind by Daisy are depicted on the table in a close-up shot. The keys are clearly focused on and fill almost all of the frame. Also, the lack of any other important aspects on the table enables the filmmakers to convey the importance of the keys.

Intertextuality is also present in this scene as it comes to an end. Upon picking up the keys which Daisy left behind, Benzie makes a remark which serves as a humorous reference to the 1996 film Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. Benzie states: “At last I will emerge as the victor, at last I will have revenge.” This same quote was used by the character Darth Maul during a conversation between himself and Sidious, with Maul referencing the battle between the Sith and the Jedi which takes place in the film.

Therefore, ‘Spaced’ also does well to establish both the action and Sci-Fi genres which are explored throughout the series.