TV Drama - Luther

Luther is a British crime drama starring Idris Elba who plays DCI John Luther, a passionate and successful detective who puts his career before anything else. Luther has had many directors across its 3 series, Sam Miller being the main one. He has also directed episodes of Fortitude. 

In the very first episode, it starts off with enigmatic establishing shots of what looks like an abandoned warehouse. The use of low key lighting and shadows gives it a mysterious feel and as the shot slowly pushes in closer, it draws the audience's attention to the building and makes them consider what might be inside. 
Lots of the shots are moving (the camera isn't still), this adds to the suspense of the chase scene and keeps up the tension. This scene has been edited so that it begins with only a few shots and then gradually, the shots change much quicker and only last for a few seconds meaning there are lots more cuts. This increases the pace of the scene and keeps the tension all the way to the end. It also uses atmospheric music as there isn't much dialogue, which builds up to the action and makes it more dramatic. 

They included lots of police sirens and blue flashing lights, this is typical iconography to connote crime, reminding the audience that the show is a crime drama. The close ups of the characters faces draws the audience into the story and connects them with the characters - this is something the Fargo does not do as it keeps its audience at a distance from the action. In my adaptation, I want to pull the audience into the story so I will use close up shots of my characters. 

Luther - Series 1, Episode 1
Luther - Series 1, Episode 1

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