Arriving at School In Donnie Darko

Locations and Mise en Scene: 

In the clip we watched of Donnie Darko, three locations are used to create a convincing impression of a school environment. Initially, we see the school building, with a number of students in school uniform entering the building. We then get a view of the inside of the building, which consists of a corridor full of lockers. Finally, we are taken through to the outside of the school, where a number of young girls are seen doing a dance sequence. All of these locations work together to create a convincing and typical school environment. As well as this, costumes are used to add to the impression of it being a school. The students are see wearing school uniforms, while teachers and authoritative figures are seen in sensible clothing such as suit&ties, shirts, long skirts, and blazers. 

Characters 

There are quite a few different characters which appear:

The Rebel/Criminal: Probably have a name like Spike, in the film they woluld probably cause trouble in the school, be bullies, do drugs and start fights.

The Popular Pretty Girl: Probably have a name like Britney, in the film they would be the hierachy of the school being the most pretty and popular.

Goody Two Shoes: Have a name like Stuart, in the film they would always be the students that are favoured by the teachers due to there obsequious-ness.

Nerds: Have names like Francis, they know all the answers and do all the homework which the teacher sets and are often bullied by the popular kids

Wannabe Young Cheerleaders: Names like Courtney, they want to grow up quickly and be as popular and cool as the older cheerleaders.

Editing and Camera

In the clip that we watched of Donnie Darko lots of different editing techniques and camers techniques were used.The clip starts with a low angle shot that spins around,this is at the point where the pupils are getting off the school bus to start the new term.Throughout the film intro various editing speeds are used.The camera usually focuses on one particular character by watching what they do in slow motion and then speeding up to the next character and then focusing on them in slow motion.The camera is almost always in front of the characters and at eye level to give the audience the idea that the camera is another pupil and from their perspective.