By Quincey Abosi

Dirty Pretty Things

Analysis of Micro-Elements

When we are first introduced to Okwe, he appears to be wearing quite shabby clothes with dull colours and he is not very well groomed. This highlights to the reader that Okwe is not wealthy and does not have a lot of money. He is standing in an airport asking people if they want a lift, as he is an illegal cab driver. Also, this shot immediately informs the audience that Okwe is the main character as he is the first person we are introduced too. There is also non-diegetic slow piano music playing during this scene, this helps to create drama

and also makes the audience feel sympathetic towards Okwe as he just wants to earn some money.

SHOT 1

In this shot we see that the two men have a higher status to Okwe as they are dressed very smartly in their suits whereas he looks quite shabby, the blue suits also contrast Okwe’s dull brown clothing to highlight the class

difference. Also, they are positioned in the frame to appear bigger than Okwe, highlighting their dominance as he stands behind them asking if they want a

lift. The fact that they do not give Okwe eye contact when he is communicating with them, helps to show that immigrants are not treated

equally and are not respected like others.

Dialogue: ‘I am here to rescue those who have been let down by the system’. By ‘the system’ Okwe is talking about the government. He feels that he has a duty to help the immigrants like himself, as the government do not, and they

are portrayed very negatively in the press when they just want to feel like they are a part of society.

SHOT 2

Okwe drives into an area which appears to be very run down and in this shot the lighting is very dark and gloomy. We can also see that there is graffiti

painted on the brick walls, this informs the audience that he lives in the rural, more urban side of London, perhaps South London, where crime is very high. The non-diegetic piano music then fades into a hip-hop like beat, supporting

the idea that he lives in the more urban side of London. In this shot, there is no clear divide between the two characters. This is done deliberately to show that they both have the same status as they are both

illegal immigrants. Okwe hands his friend a passport telling him ‘your name is now Mohammad’ whilst tugging on his crucifix necklace. This is what Okwe meant by helping those who have been let down by the system, he is giving them that stamp of approval (a passport) which allows them to feel like they

are a part of society.

SHOT 3

 This is a long shot showing the Baltic Hotel where Okwe also works. In this shot we can see that the hotel uniform and sign

is red. This is significant as red connotes danger and it is inside the hotel where a lot illegal activity goes on. For example,

prostitution and immigrants selling their organs for a passport.

SHOT 4

 The close up of the clock, and the diegetic clock ticking helps to create a sense of urgency, as if Okwe is waiting for something to happen or someone important. It also helps to build suspense,

making the audience wonder what is about to happen.

SHOT 5

When we are introduced to Shenay, the camera pans, following her movement as she enters the hotel. This informs the reader that she is also a key character in the film. Non diegetic suspenseful piano music

begins to play when she enters the hotel. Again, this makes the audience suspect that something is going to happen and builds tension

in the scene.

Shenay is also wearing a long floral skirt with her hair tied up in a ponytail when we are first introduced to her character. This suggests to

the audience that she is innocent, however, she is also a wearing a leather jacket which could suggest that she has an edge to her and can

be quite feisty.

SHOT 6

Shenay is also wearing a long floral skirt with her hair tied up in a ponytail when we are first introduced to her character. This suggests to the audience that she is innocent, however, she is also a wearing a leather jacket which could suggest that she has an edge to her and can be quite feisty. The camera then cuts to a low angle shot of Shenay purposely dropping her keys on the floor for Okwe to collect as he rents the couch in her flat. However, as he is an illegal immigrant and Shenay is a refugee, they would both get into serious trouble with immigration officers if they were caught.Dialogue: Okwe suggests to Shenay ‘Shenay perhaps I can cook you lunch”. “No Okwe” Shenay replies. This creates a sense of romance and suggests to the audience that Okwe has feelings for Shenay as it is clear he has a caring nature towards her.

SHOT 7

There is a close up shot of Okwe’s face showing his facial expressions, when Shenay rejects his offer to cook her lunch. In this shot we can see that he is upset and heartbroken at her response, making the

audience feel sympathetic towards him.

SHOT 8

 The camera then cuts to a high angle shot of Okwe in one of

the hotel rooms. The high angle helps to highlight Okwe’s vulnerability and makes him appear harmless. The camera

then tracks Okwe as he walks towards the bathroom when he hears the diegetic sound of the water dripping. In this shot

the lighting is very dark and gloomy suggesting to the audience that something bad is going to happen. However, Okwe then turns on the light showing that he exudes hope

and he is courageous.

SHOT 9

The camera then cuts to Okwe, as he prepares to try and unblock the flooded toilet with a clothes hanger.

There is also an eye line match of Okwe looking down at the toilet as he tries to pull the organ out of the toilet. This allows us to see what is happening through Okwe’s perspective and helps to generate a response from the audience as if they were in his situation.

SHOT 10

The camera then cuts again, this time to a close up of Okwe’s face when he discovers that it was a human heart that was blocking the toilet. This close up allows the audience to see the shock and horror

in his facial expressions.  

The non diegetic suspenseful music also begins to get louder as Okwe pulls the organ out, helping to build tension and add drama to the scene, generating a response from the audience, making

them feel anxious.

SHOT 11

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