Keep Your Crown in A Game of Thrones
A Game of Thrones is sweeping the country. A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin, created by David Benioff & D. B. Weiss aired on HBO’s US network on April 17, 2011, and was created in collaboration with David Benioff & D. B. Weiss. Martin has so carefully crafted the phenomenon that he is able to evoke at least 3 different emotions in every 15 minute. HBO has cast actors and actresses who are easy to look at, so it is not surprising that this series was nominated and won 38 Emmy Awards. Ramin Djawadi’s soundtrack and Ramin’s clever writing combine to elevate Game of Thrones among the top five most popular TV shows.
The series is known for its on-location shots, even though it’s filmed primarily at Titanic Studios Belfast in Ireland. Creators create stunning medieval scenes that entice the audience to explore centuries-old architecture. The pilot episode establishes the tone and style for the whole six-season run. A grayish-black sky is painted with soft white clouds. Low rumblings are heard as the audience waits for the gate to rise. Chains clatter in a silent environment. The low-angle shot shows the audience at least one important face on the other side. Three men are seen on horseback once the gate is raised. The two men on the outer edge are wearing chainmail and torches. They also have dark hoods covering their heads. The middle man has fur wrapped around his neck, shoulders and arms. He is draped with a heavy coat. He has a bare head. The audience knows immediately that he is royalty. The men are leaving the castle’s walls when a wide shot is taken from above. It captures how vast the landscape looks. Game of Thrones uses very different camera angles to establish who is who throughout the series. Low-angle, narrow shots are used to establish the presence and status of young children. The high-angle shots create the illusion of power.
What are two of the main ingredients in Game of Thrones that make it so captivating? Great stakes and great characters. The writers of the series do a great job at showcasing both. Each scene contains the agendas of characters, many of whom unknowingly sacrifice themselves. Ned Stark, a man of honor and integrity who had shown in previous episodes that he was a good person, confronts Cersei on the inappropriate relationship between her and her brother. Cersei replies, “When you are playing the game, you will either win or lose.” Ned is once more hailed as a hero by the audience, but Cersei grows in fear. In the two following episodes, the writers masterfully weave through increasing betrayals. However, it is only then that the line between righteous and unjustified becomes dangerously blurred. Ned, who is now imprisoned, fights against himself but believes that by confessing to treason he can save his daughters. He is not spared but beheaded before his family. HBO viewers are forced for the first-time to acknowledge that no one character, however important, is indestructible.
Ramin Djawadi has composed a powerful score for Game of Thrones. It includes a soft, sweet piano with a rhythmic drum beat, as well as deep cellos, and haunting violins. Djawadi is so proud of his work on Game of Thrones’ ambiance that each of its main houses has a unique sequence.
When we are about to give up and feel that we have no hope, we get a brief moment of redemption. Then, we are crushed again. You can easily become attached to characters who have outwitted and outlived ruthless adversaries. Our constant companions are curiosity and hope, but most of the time we find our jaws hanging and our disbelief inflamed. Why do people keep watching if the show is filled with blood, betrayal and chaos? We want the hero to win. This series’ ability to capture the audience and evoke raw emotions in them is truly magnificent. It deserves all of its accolades.
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