Recognition - Alignment - Allegiance

For this task, I will be analysing how “Source code” (2011, Duncan Jones) utilises Smith's concept of “Recognition, Alignment and Allegiance”. I will be discussing what the model entails and how it can be applied to the main character 'Colter'. The Recognition, Alignment and Allegiance model describes how cognitive theory works on three different levels. On the recognition level, this allows the audience to construct a perception of a character and make a judgement on whether the character's traits match their own. On the alignment level, this describes where the audience are placed in terms of the information that they have on the plot of the film. This can be either aligned with a sin

gle character, aligned with multiple characters or the audience could be omniscient. Finally, allegiance describes the moral and ideological evaluations the audience make with characters within the film. Throughout the film, the audience judges the characters’ morals and ideology. This then allows them to make a judgement on whether they agree with these or not.

In terms of Recognition with Colter in “Source Code”, it can be seen that Colter’s recognition looks at how the spectator constructs a character in the film from the information they are given. This also links to the idea of mimicry where the audience apply this to both their innate hard wired narratives as well as experiences to construct a character close to real life.

In terms of Alignment within the film, we are constantly aligned throughout the plot with Colter's character and his environment. Throughout the film, we only learn new information about the plot when Colter does. This alignment is further reinforced through the way in which POV shots from Colter's perspective are occasionally used within the film. By keeping us aligned with Colter throughout the film, it means that we are able to uncover the mystery at the same time as he does. This in turn makes the plot more engaging for us as it makes us try to put the pieces together ourselves. As well as this, it also allows us to connect more with Colter's character as we feel as if he is trying to help us solve the puzzle to.

Lastly, in terms of Allegiance throughout this film we are never given any point of view shots, when Colter is searching though things or looking it things we are always shown through a wide or and over the shoulder shots of the other characters. It is not so much important that the protagonist tries to prevent the teract. The key goal of this film is the emotions of the hero, time after time living someone else's 8 minutes before death. We really understand how difficult this is, stop thinking with our thoughts, join in someone else's body and do what is required.