In this scene from Martin Scorsese, we follow Ray Liotta’s character Henry through a crowed restaurant; with him is his girlfriend. Scorsese’s camera sticks tight with Henry as he makes his way through an alternative route to eventually get to his table. Throughout the scene we can see that Liotta’s character is very influential and has garnered a lot of respect from those that interact with him.
The use of a single shot emphasises the amount of respect aimed at Liotta’s Henry. This is achieved by letting us see events pan out in real time and due to the almost voyeuristic positioning of our gaze, it becomes wholly more believable. We are shown fleeting interactions with door staff and security as Henry greases their palms with dollars. There is the initial route into and through the restaurant, a route that only the privileged or insiders would know about; the walk through the kitchen and further interactions with staff – someone of less influence would more than likely be cowed into another route and the fact that he isn’t kicked out of the kitchen further heightens his level of respect as he is warmly received. Finally, he is swiftly acknowledged by the maître d’ who promptly organises for a table to be installed especially for him at a prime spot in the restaurant and with the place already busy this shows great favour. Nearby associates’ gift him a bottle of champagne and this underlines the influence/power that he bears.
Context and Narrative 