The choice of camera angles is very important in communicating ideas about the central character. The initial shot to open the film is of Shane pausing on the hill. We can see the beautiful environment which was the setting for the film (Jackson Hole, Wyoming), with the Grand Tetons as its backdrop. This is an important moment as it sets the scene for the audience as they observe the surroundings. As Shane stops to appreciate the panoramic view over the valley, it suggests that there is no urgency for him to travel quickly.
The next shot is from long distance showing him riding across the plain. The distance of which the shot is taken suggests his isolation and also gives the impression that he has been travelling for a long time, and equally, has a long way yet to go.
Also a distant shot, we see the figure riding along side the lake facing the family’s house. In the foreground is a Deer whose antlers frame the figure perfectly. The shot looks almost picturesque as Joey watches Shane through the Deer’s antlers.
Shane arrives at the family’s log cabin, still on horseback; he talks with the family. The shot is a close up of Shane, however the difference in levels appears to give Shane authority over them, which is how he is perceived throughout the film. He smiles at Joey and compliments him on his attentiveness, “You were watching me down the trail quite a spell, weren’t ya?...Y’know…I like a man who watches things going on around, means he’ll make his mark someday.” This is the moment we first recognise that Shane has an able way with children and from here he builds a good friendship with Joey.
Similar to the last, the next is a low angle shot looking up at Shane, giving him the higher status in this scene. This time attention is drawn to the clouds behind, which makes him appear almost angelic.
The filmmakers used the dialogue to build a clear image of Shane’s character and the heroic qualities he possesses. Shane’s opening line, “You don’t mind me cutting through your place?” shows the stranger is respectful and courteous, as many in Shane’s position would have disregarded the family and cut straight through.
When he speaks to Joey it is apparent that both Shane and Joey are very vigilant and cautious of strangers. This is something they have in common and admire each other for.
Shane mentions that it has been a long time since he has seen a Jersey cow, suggesting that he has been travelling for a long period of time and perhaps hasn’t been in the farming district recently. He may also have memories of the breed, likely from his childhood on a farm.
Joey absent-mindedly cocks his rifle to show it to Shane, and without hesitation, Shane alertly draws his gun. It is apparent now, to the family that he is a gunfighter. This is something he would have more willingly kept concealed, as not to give the family a bad impression of him, however, Starr, the father, has his mind made up as he mentions how “touchy” the man is around weapons. “Don’t forget to close the gate on your way out.” Starr warns when he wants Shane to leave. These sceptical opinions from Starr show he is perhaps feeling threatened by Shane because of his intrusion on his family.
When the Reiker Gang are first introduced in the film they are portrayed very differently to Shane on his entrance. A number of dramatical devices were used to give the audience a clear idea of how the characters are suited in the story. Shane was portrayed as the hero in the film which people want to relate to. In term of appearance, he was less threatening, partially because he was travelling alone, but also he was handsome and well dressed which was a perfect contrast to the Reiker Gang. The Reiker Gang arrive abruptly and immediately the atmosphere of the scene changes. We see their horses trample over Joe’s garden, threatening and intimidating the family as the music turns sinister. This gives the audience a poor impression from the first encounter. The Gang appears scruffy and their characters are only emphasised by their husky voices aswell as their age. Even their facial hair is the complete antithesis of what Shane stands for.
These are the ways the filmmakers succeed in manipulating the audience’s perceptions of the characters, and all contribute to the idea of the contrast between good and evil in the story.
“In the opening passage of the film, Shane we are presented with an image of the archetypal western hero”
After exploring the techniques used to create Shane’s character, I do agree with this statement. Shane was first introduced at the beginning of the film as the heroic character and managed to maintain his authoritative figure throughout. The filmmakers used devices which would give immediate impressions of certain characters. Music, appearance and even dialogue created an original persona for each of them and in the case of Shane’s character, presented him as the classic western hero.
