How do the directors use cinematography, mise en scene, sound and editing to create meaning in the film?

Cinematography – The use of left and right side shots depending on who is speaking on the courtroom scene is effective as it makes clear to the audience that either speaker is on different sides of the same case, creating the idea of binary opposites between prosecutor and defendant, as well as woman vs man.

Mise en Scene – The items on Vera’s desk in her office consist of documents, a dictionary and a phone. These being spread out the way they are all over the desk build the idea that she is a hard worker who is always busy with cases, and does not have time to neatly organise her belongings.

Sound – Non-diegetic sound is only used twice in the film, those times being at the very beginning of the documentary, where spectators are being introduced to the town for the first time, and the final scene in which Vera is teaching the class about how the two domestic abuse cases that she was involved in led to the first convictions for the crime in 17 years. The music returning for this scene reminds audiences of how much has changed throughout the events of the documentary and how monumental Vera and Beatrice’s work has been.

Editing – As Manka is brought into Vera’s office by Stephen for the first time, cross-cutting is used throughout the scene in order for the audience to see Vera’s shocked reactions as Stephen and Manka explain the suffering she has experienced at the hands of her stepsister (thought to be her auntie at the time). The shock spectators see from Vera reinforces the idea that surprise and emotion (both upset and disgust) still comes with her job despite it being part of her day to day activities.