Analyzing MODERN FAMILY

This particular scene, from ABC's Modern Family, relies heavily on camera techniques to underscore the episode's storyline. Though the scene's opening medium long shot initially places Claire (Julie Bowen) in an equally authoritative position as Haley's (Sarah Hyland) boyfriend, the situation quickly changes as Dylan enters the Dunphy home. Not only is Dylan (Reid Ewing) physically situated higher on the Dunphy staircase after being stopped by Claire on his way to Haley's room, the camera's low-angle shot underscores his psychological hold on the Dunphy household, and Haley more specifically. Although he is oblivious to the family's dynamics, Dylan's authority over the home's rule-makers is apparent. In essence, even though Claire wants to slow down the pace of Haley and Dylan's relationship, Dylan is clearly calling the shots. Phil (Ty Burrell), the father, tries to step in and stop the young couple from whatever activities are inevitably about to take place, but as the camera shows from its bird's eye angle, Phil is as powerless as his wife, Claire.

Because the show is a mockumentary, camera techniques are also essential in making what viewers see appear authentic. Hand-held shots and jerking of the camera make scenes seem unscripted. The show also utilizes more zooms, pans, and tracks rather than reaction shots to capture expressions and actions. This disregard for cutting room editing gives viewers a greater intimacy and familiarity with the situations they are witnessing. Of course, anything other than direct sound would ruin the overall effect. Having medium close-up "confessionals" for characters, like Phil in this scene, fosters an even greater intimacy with characters also. We learn their innermost thoughts while viewing them much in the same way as they would be seen in real life. The lack of flashy effects is what makes this scene, and the show overall, effective.