Dead Man Walking

Outline a subconscious response to the execution scene and three techniques that the film makers have used to manipulate a spectator into having that response.
Firstly, during the execution scene the film makers purposely use close up shots of Matthew Poncelot and Sister Helen's face when having their last words before he enters the execution room. This manipulates the audience into having a certain response. The close up shots emphasise the desperation on Poncelot's face as he tries to convince himself he is not afraid. Furthermore, the close up shot of the Sister's face shows the tears building in her eyes and highlights the great emotion she is feeling towards his death. This subconsciously makes the audience feel a sense of sadness towards the situation despite their overall opinion.

A further way in which the film makers have manipulated the audience into having a certain response is through the mise en scene. Poncelot is purposely strapped to his death bed in the same way that Jesus was nailed to the cross. This creates a link between Poncelot's death and religion. It suggests to the audience that Poncelot is being forgiven as he admits to his sins. This subconsciously makes the audience feel at ease with Poncelots death.

A final way in which the film makers have manipulated the audience into having a certain response is through the use of flashbacks. Flashbacks are shown of Poncelot committing the crimes, raping a teenage girl and killing a teenage boy. These horrific flashback clips instantly instill a feeling of shock into the audience as they had been building a relationship throughout the film with what they believed was an innocent man. The audience subconsciously go from feeling sympathetic to feeling as though death is what Poncelot rightfully deserves. 

Give three specific reasons and examples why different people consuming one of the films could have different emotional responses. 
One person consuming Dead Man Walking may show a different emotional response compared to other audience members as they may be someone who is completely against the death penalty. Therefore they may feel a sense of anger due to the inhumane actions which take place within the film. Those strongly against the death penalty may also feel somewhat sympathetic towards Poncelot. Although some believe the death penalty is what he deserved, those against the death penalty will see the killing of Poncelot as completely wrong.

Furthermore, one person consuming the film Dead Man Walking may show an alternative emotional response to others due to their religion. During the film the Sister (Susan Saradon) helps and guides Matthew Poncelot through his time on death row and encourages him to come to terms with the crimes he has committed and to seek forgiveness off God. This religious aspect to the film could mean that consumers who hold strong religious beliefs may feel a sense of forgiveness towards Poncelot as he has admitted to his sins and began to seek forgiveness off God. Also, those consumers with strong religious beliefs, for example Christians, may feel in shock when watching as their religion is completely against the death penalty as it takes lives and goes against the theory of Gods Plan.

Finally, when consuming Dead Man Walking someone who has been a victim of crime or has had a family member be a victim of a similar crime may show a different emotional response compared to other consumers. They would gain a sense of justice from the film and completely agree with the killing of Matthew Poncelot as they can relate to the pain the victims families have been put through as they will have experienced similar feelings of devastation and the need for some kind of 'revenge'.