Minority Report Still Frame: Look Ahead, Look Behind

            The subject in this dramatic frame is the relationship between Anderton and the Precog, Agatha. In this particular moment, Anderton seems to have the control and leadership, while Agatha is dependent on him for survival. The roles have been reversed here from the beginning of the film when Anderton was dependent on Agatha for information and clues to murders. What draws our eye most is the fierceness in each of the subjects’ eyes in the top left and right corner squares of the gridded frame; they completely contrast each other, implying that they both have a different objective in this instant.

            Regarding placement, this image wants us to think that Anderton and Agatha are the only two subjects of importance, and that all our attention should be placed directly on their expressions. They are entirely foregrounded with nothing but emptiness in the background. Although the two characters are of the most importance in the shot, the emptiness behind them is still very valuable. It gives us a sense of where they are without actually showing a location. Clearly the two are not outside, but rather in a dark room or building.

            The lighting in this frame is exaggerated near the subjects’ eyes, while most of the rest of their faces are in the shadows. This affects our understanding of their location because we know there must be a light source coming towards each of them, from both ends of the frame. The sun would not light their faces like this, so we know they have to be inside somewhere where light is shining in multiple directions. As the viewer, we know that Anderton and Agatha are trying to escape being detected by the police force, and he light in this shot gives us the impression that these two characters are hiding. Combined with their expressions of fear and intensity, the lack of light near the center of the frame somewhat conceals them from view. Since the light is focused on the left and right sides of the frame, it seems like the edges of their faces just are poking out from their “hiding place” in the shadows.

             This moment captured on film is a close up (CU) shot that isolates only the faces of the subjects. What effect does this have? It emphasizes the importance of the characters’ emotions and relationship to each other. With this type of shot, the director wants us to understand that these two people need each other desperately. Anderton needs Agatha to help him escape and prove his innocence, while Agatha needs him to free her from the imprisonment of being a precog.

            The only costume or prop visible in this shot is the collar of Anderton’s leather jacket. This gives him a somewhat rebellious look, which is exactly what he is; a rebel. He has defied the PreCrime system and is on the run from the police force. But, it does not give him a look of badness or corruption. He is not out to destroy anyone. On the contrary, he simply wants to save himself and free Agatha. As her head rests on his shoulder, the leather jacket tells us that in this moment, he is her protector.