Relationships Between Shots

https://youtu.be/vXYB5DpqVSU?t=1h43m55s

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                                       The Count of Monte Cristo (2002)
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Edmond Dontes, played by Jim Caviezel, interrogates J.F. Villefort, played by James Frain, in the sauna. The steam, a diegetic effect, is used to create obfuscation with relation to the dots linking how Dontes was framed. The repetitive increase of steam no only puts actual pressure on Villefort but, it is linked to the Dontes' explanation  of his framing as it gets more complex. Throughout the scene we are shown flashbacks that corroborate Dontes' accusation against Villefort. These flashbacks contain a culmination of shots, when Villefort introduces himself to Fernand Mondego, played by Guy Pearce, we are given both a 2-shot and a close-medium shot of these two characters discussing their plans to kill Colonel Villefort, played by Freddie Jones. In another flashback we have a medium shot of Colonel Villefort as he is shot to death by Mondego. The camera shifts into a close up of Mondego to show viewers that he and he alone is the trigger-man. The use of these shots make Dontes' accusations more compelling to the viewer. When not in a flashback, we see that Dontes is in medium to close up shots at high angles. This along with Dontes' ability to impede Villefort's escape shows the viewers that Dontes is in complete control. Villefort is often shown in medium shots that show his panicked movements as he is pressured into a corner. Their is one extreme close up as Dontes begins his questioning and that signals the immediate shift in power in this conversation. The end of the scene is a perfect climax. Being pushed into a corner and the odds mounting against him, Villefort inadvertently admits to both his involvement in his own father's death and Mondego's. It is at this moment Dontes lifts the steam from the room as if to show the viewers that the pressure within the room and the truth has escaped. I believe that this scene encapsulates the relationship between shots to further engross the viewer and to enhance the story telling.

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