Introduction To Preliminary Task

Today I began the coursework for AS Media.
We found out about the preliminary task which is as follows:

Continuity task involving filming and editing a character opening a door, crossing a room and sitting down in a chair opposite another character, with whom she/he then exchanges a couple of lines of dialogue. This task should demonstrate match on action, shot/reverse shot and the 180-degree rule

Here is an example of a shot/reverse shot:


I believe this is a good example as the performances are both very good. Also, Dr. Lecter is framed with less space than Starling which is representative of his imprisonment. Also, the use of close-ups of the characters talking directly at the camera makes the viewer feel like they are being addressed directly, thus drawing them into the story. This helps with the verisimilitude of the scene as it makes the audience feel involved in the events which are unfolding.
Also, the clip follows the classic system of continuity editing. For example, the extract stays within the confines of the 180 degree rule. This means the camera never crosses an imaginary line (axis of action) between the two characters meaning that the characters always appear on the same side of the screen. For example, in this clip the camera is always over Lecters right shoulder, and Starlings left. This creates the impression that they are talking to each other.
The clip also makes use of an establishing shot in the form of a slow tracking, POV shot through the corrdior towards Lecters cell. This allows the audience to see the setting of the following conversation. Once again, the POV shot draws the viewer into the scene adding to the verisimilitude. Also, by showing all the prisoners and how they react in such negative ways to the presence of Starling it sets an uncomfortable tone before the conversation even starts.