Welcome to the Punch – Analysis

“Welcome to the Punch” is a famous film that was released on 15th March 2013 in the UK and is directed by Eran Creevy. The film's genre is a Crime / Thriller, however, throughout the whole of the movie it becomes very difficult to identify the actual genre as many elements fitting different conventions can be seen. However, the suspicious crime elements are complimented well with the fast paced action scenes, therefore finally combining these two genres together. 

The film's opening is set in at night, and the use of a start with a dark setting shows off the potential for a dark twist in the film. We are straight away implied the location of where the movie is based as can tell it is in the UK as the road symbols show they are driving on the left and the high rise buildings show us that it is probably based in London. This is a very important aspect as it influences how as audiences we portray the events happening in the plot after. The first character we see is a man lying on the floor, supposedly dead. This immediately conveys the crime genre across to the viewer as we suspect a shooting has occurred. The next characters we see are covered figures with helmets, with over their shoulders. We are made to believe these to be the bad characters as they have bags with them and are being chased suggesting that something has been stolen or another crime has been committed. The way they have portrayed and dressed these characters is done intentionally, so the viewers can identify the bad guys immediately without further explanation. Moreover, the next character we see is of a man chasing these men and so the audience is able to make a judgment that this character is the hero and so the main protagonist of the movie. In this short space of time we have managed to identify the genre, characters and setting of the movie. 

The lighting of the movie is also important. The dark colour scheme shows off the potential for a dark twist later on in the story as well as allows us identify the location of where the story is based. The use of a dark setting also connotes that the plot of this movie is very serious and so not something to laugh about. Moreover, it also, implies the target audience of the film as young children would not be associated with dark, serious films. The use of cars, bikes and guns throughout the opening is also important as it shows off straight away that the target audiences for the movie are young men or teenagers. You would not expect to see women watching a film of this type so the props used are key to symbolise this theme.

The fast camera cuts during the car chase scene creates a sense of speed and confusion. This should put viewers on the edge and make the action more exciting throughout. A low action shot is also used at many times when looking up at the criminals. This shows that they are a figure of authority and shows the viewers that they are important during this part of the movie. A close up shot is also used on the main character during the car chase scene in order to allow the viewers to see more of the characters face and his reactions and facial expressions, allowing us to see into his thoughts and feelings.

Throughout the film, the theme of insecurity is very visible. This is due to the idea that the whole movie starts of and is based on the event which is shown at the beginning; the shooting of the main character. This character is then seeking revenge for this event as he is feeling insecure about the idea that he got shot, making himself seem weak and scared. 

Overall, I really enjoyed this film. This is because it is very different to what we would usually expect to see from a thriller, however, still follows the "unordinary things happening to ordinary people" idea. Moreover, the film also kept me on the edge the whole time as I was not expecting what will happen next and so made me want to continue watching it in order to find out more.