Lighting is used to build up tension in both the audience and the participants.
Spotlights which are positioned at floor level provide up lighters which focus on the contestants; these are blue and create a cold atmosphere. The rest of the studio is in darkness. Bright red lights are directed at the players whilst they are voting who they think is the Weakest Link. This emphasizes the intense moment and shows a sign of danger.
Close-up shots are used when individuals answer questions; this can make participants nervous and allows the viewer to witness their tension. However when all contestants are in view, wide angle shots are used slightly pointing downwards, again giving the effect that they are a lower position. For example when Anne Robinson asks who the contestants believe is the Weakest Link which puts pressure on them. Questions are fired which contestants only have a few seconds to answer. The show has a clock ticking to increase the tension; the pressure builds up as time runs out. With such a short time to answer, a close up camera shot and spotlights focus on the
contestant. This makes them nervous and they have to quickly respond, often making mistakes.
The background music is quite fast, mysterious and spooky. Other sounds like the voice over also contribute to the tense atmosphere. This talking over the competitors seems powerful and shows control. Whilst the contestants are answering the questions the music is slower and eerie however as time comes to an end the music gets louder with a harder bass.
Anne Robinson uses Standard English; she often criticizes and humiliates the contestants with comments like ‘Who is three pence short of a shilling?’ This is aimed to make the contestants feel weak and gives Anne Robinson a superior feeling of power.
“Who do you think is the weakest link?” is a rhetorical question. It is repeated at the end of each round.
Although it is not always obvious, viewers enjoy tension, for example when you are watching a scary movie you look away but you always look back as you are drawn to the suspense of the scene.
