Analyse and review the use of docudrama in the flim 'let him have it'

Lighting and music are also used seldom, yet effectively in this rooftop scene. The roof of the warehouse has little light cast upon it and there is hardly any sound used whilst they are on top of it. The reason these effects are used it to create an eerie atmosphere. It also creates a certain tension in which is a build up to the critical event in the film. It is also critical for the audience for them to choose on whether they're on Bentleys side. The silence in that scene is also essential in swaying the audience.

In this particular scene there is a big change in Bentleys body language from the way he shows himself from the start of the film to now. At the beginning Derek shows himself as a shy and quiet person, he showed this by having his head lowered a lo of the time and stooped shoulders. But the contrast from the 'old' Derek and the Derek on the roof of the warehouse is a big difference. He is now confident with himself and with Craig. You see him playing and joking around with Chris. When the audience see the new Bentley they feel pleased for him, but they also want him to realise what trouble Craig could get him into, which is ironic. Once the police arrive at the roof of the warehouse you also see that Bentley is completely compliant with the police and follows the instructions that are given to him without any hesitance. But, seeing as this is how the docudrama perform it, how do we know if this was the truth? If this actually happened?

In the scene of the court case in which the trial of the two boys is happening, the accused pleaded not guilty before the judge and jury on the 9th December 1952. However, the judge ruled that both the boys were guilty. It was clear that Craig was undoubtedly guilty, having had eyewitnesses watched him shot PC miles dead. But, Derek's situation was questionable. Derek did not shoot anyone, he did not even take hold of the gun. So why was he ruled guilty? Regardless of this, the home office carried out the sentence and Derek was sent to death by hanging.

The Camera angles, lightning and shots used in this scene are very crucial in to which way the audience will sway. High-angle shots are used whilst Derek is being tried. These shots create sympathy and solace towards Derek, by especially pin-pointing his vulnerability because the immensity of the court room is shown which makes us look down on to Derek. Bright and dark light is used in the scene to create a threatening and a almost corrupt feeling to it.

As the trial goes on, the courtroom exhibit the weapons that the two used on that night of their crime. They are shown Dereks knuckle-duster and Craigs gun. But instead of the Judge making more of an affirmation of the gun he's seems to make more of a display of the knuckle duster. The emphasis of this creates a confusion in the audience, they cannot understand why a less lethal weapon is having more of a show than a weapon which very easily can kill someone, absurdly that weapon had killed someone. This makes the audience then want Derek to come out the case victorious. This shows that Madek's filming has done its job. The audience then feels even more sympathy for Derek. But only his side is showed, what about Craigs?

Overall the court case is successful in signifying bigotry and injustice towards Bentley. The judge who is convicting the two boys is portrayed as being one-sided and biased in the trial. The Judge also seems to be in favour for the police force and seems to be set out for someone to blame. This is shown when the judge seems to agree with the prosecutor and argues with him against Bentley. Close ups and zooms are used upon the judge as if to show his daunting and abhorrent feelings towards both boys. But whether the judge was actually like this we do not know?

The last and final crucial scene in the film "Let him have it" is that of the hanging scene. This scene is probably the most moving and creates the most effect upon the audiences emotion. Derek's hanging is sentenced at 9o'clock in the morning and whilst the time for the hanging is approaching, the film cuts from Derek and to his family. When we first see his family they are huddled together in their living room. Whilst they weep for their son and brother the music that is played is a light, soft piece. Over this part of the scene it cuts to us hearing Derek reciting the lords prayer; "And forgive us of our trespasses, and lead us not into temptation..."

Once the clock strikes 9o'clock, it is time for the hanging. The ironic part of this is that whilst Derek is still speaking the Lords prayers, he is abruptly pulled away from his seat and is forcefully grasped. This scene is a flawless example of creating sympathy from the audience. The audience can especially feel for Derek's family. There is no hope left. He will die. But at this point you find it hard to believe this as fact, more as a dramatisation.

When we see the actual hanging of Derek, he is forcefully grabbed and carelessly treated. The cloth bag is thrown rather than placed on the his head. And the rope is tied roughly and willingly. This gives the impression to the audience that Derek was not cared for but we do not know if this is the actual truth. When the lever is pulled and Derek is hung a shot is used to show his shoes fall from his feet on to the floor and then we see the body of Derek hang lifelessly for the rope. It then goes to Derek's family, who at that point are in deep distress and pain. They cling to each other as if to try and create some comfort. A low and depressing music is played as if to represent Derek's dead soul. As the music fades away, the film also comes to an end.

The director of the film Peter Madek's use of music, lightning, camera shots and scripture work extremely well together in this docudrama. He keeps the audience enchanted all the way through and in willingness for Derek Bentley. But once Derek's fate is appointed and his hanging is shown, great disbelief and bewilderment. The audience are completely swayed towards Derek's side throughout the film, by eliminating any other evidence which would put Derek in a guilty situation.

Docudrama works cleverly for this subject. Its is enthralling, hard-hitting and lets you connect with each of the characters. Ironically though, is it right to twist an audience into believing what could be false information. In this film it is clearly used. The emotional manipulation used on the audience is very strong. But the false and the true facts, I feel, balance each other out in the film. This is a film of tragedy and horror and is portrayed and filmed extremely well.

Lizzie Dunn 10B1