Week 77 posts include shots from Veronica Mars (2004-2007); The Boys (2019-current); Better Off Ted (2009-2010); The Haunting of Hill House (2018); and a refresher on The Bear Season 2 (2022-current).
Veronica Mars
Stu and Mel (and Chas!) talked on Draft Zero about crafting Veronica Mars' voiceover, and this scene from "Clash of the Tritons" illustrates how the show can get playful with the concept.
Veronica's explanation (from 0:31) "This doesn't make sense..." feels like VO as shots are what Veronica's looking at. When it cuts to Veronica and Wallace in a split diopter shot (! - note the blur on her shoulder) and the sound doesn't shift, we realise she's been talking to herself not us . . . just as Wallace responds "I'm still here, ya know."
Cheeky and fun!
The Boys
This shot from The Boys 4.03 "We'll Keep the Red Flag Flying Here" calls back to a scene from 3.06 "Herogasm" where Homelander confronts himself in a mirror.
He's still talking to himself this season, but this shot shows how his psyche is splintering even further.
Coming up soon, we're breaking down that Herogasm scene right here on the Substack, from practical 'how to' to when and why it breaks the fourth wall.
Better Off Ted
Few shows have managed to so smoothly and consistently blend wide 'corporate' lighting and straightforward framing with the absurd and ridiculous as Better Off Ted.
The Haunting of Hill House
#SexySaturday brought to you by The Haunting of Hill House ep1 "Steven Sees a Ghost".
This match cut isn't just about a clever scene segue - within context of horror, the switch from red-and-purple light to blue-green and the way Trish rocks her head back makes you wonder for a moment if this is a moment of haunting, "the lady with the bent neck," or something worse.
It takes a beat to realise we are instead witnessing The Little Death.
The Bear
If you're looking for a tasty, unusual, easily digestible refresher course on The Bear, check out our overview of every episode’s use of timers, clocks, and exit signs.