Story about survival

Rating: Null/10 (26 April 2004)

Cast Away is a story about survival. Chuck Noland is a Federal Express systems engineer whose ruled-by-the-clock existence abruptly ends when a plane crash leaves him isolated on a remote island.
I was most impressed with the plane crash sequence which takes place about 20 minutes into the film, after Chucks character has been established and the equilibrium is understood.
Chuck, along with the crew of a Fed-Ex aircraft are travelling above the Pacific Ocean, 200 miles off course. At this point the audience realises there may be something wrong, as Chuck is told by a crew member to fasten his seat belt for a bumpy ride.
The camera is hand held and is no higher than Chuck's shoulder height throughout this entire sequence. This helps us feel closer to Chuck by being involved in what is happening to him. The audience is seeing what Chuck is seeing as the sequence is shot from his side of the story. We never know more about the situation than Chuck, and this adds to the fear.
The fact that the camera is quite jerky makes the viewer feel uneasy, as though in danger. These types of camera movements are necessary as there are no external points of reference to show the plane is moving.
Suddenly there is an explosion and within a split second Chuck is being sucked out of the bathroom. This is a very dramatic sequence as the entire mood of the film changes suddenly. The camera is positioned on Chuck, as he is clinging for life onto the bathroom door frame.
The sound becomes one of the most effective elements of this sequence in creating fear and panic. The noises of the plane as it descends are abstract and eerie. A mixture of engine noise and wind howling through the plane become the forefront of the sound, and almost block out any other noises, for example voices of the crew and the banging of objects flying round. This creates a very frightening yet surreal atmosphere, which you may expect if thrust into this situation.
The camera remains with Chuck, following his actions and watching his reactions. Although there are other people on board the plane, the viewer's main concern is Chuck's safety.
The camera techniques used during this sequence go a long way in creating a very intense and terrifying atmosphere. The camera movement allows the viewer to realise the danger the aircraft is in, whilst also creating a documentary style which gives the viewer the feeling of actually being there.
Also, the hard cuts and swift pans and tilts again give a factual feel, allowing the audience to be a part of the scene. This technique makes it seem as if there has been no creative image processing involved, and is a very clever example of how a camera can be used to create an atmosphere so intense.