0:00opening title card
A static, solid dark blue background fills the entire frame. Centered horizontally, a single white line extends across approximately two-thirds of the screen's width. Below this line, in a clean, sans-serif white typeface, the words "SONY PICTURES CLASSICS" are displayed in all capital letters, also centered. The overall aesthetic is minimalist, stark, and professional, characteristic of a film studio's introductory branding. The lighting is even and flat, with no shadows or highlights, emphasizing the text against the deep blue. The color palette is strictly deep blue and white. There are no actions or camera movements.
0:01man in hall
A medium shot frames an older European man from the waist up, standing confidently in what appears to be a grand, historic hall or auditorium. The camera is positioned slightly below eye level, looking up, giving him an imposing presence. He is centered in the frame. Behind him, rows of empty, reddish-brown wooden seats with lighter fabric cushions recede into the background, hinting at a large gathering space. The walls are light-colored with ornate, classical architectural details. The lighting is warm and natural, suggesting daylight from unseen windows, casting soft highlights on his face and shoulders. The overall color palette is rich with browns, deep blacks, and muted reds, conveying a sense of formality and age. He is holding nothing, and his hands are open, gesturing slightly as if mid-speech or conducting.
0:02musicians playing
A shallow depth of field medium shot captures two women passionately playing string instruments in an ornate, dimly lit interior. The camera is positioned slightly to the right, focusing on the woman playing the cello in the foreground, whose face is partially visible and slightly blurred. Behind her, a second woman, in sharper focus, plays a violin, her profile clearly visible. The background features warm, dark wooden paneling, a large arched window with a heavy curtain, and a wall sconce emitting a soft, ambient glow. The lighting is warm and directional, creating gentle highlights on the instruments and their faces, suggesting an intimate, perhaps evening performance. The dominant colors are rich browns, dark blacks from their attire, and the deep reddish-brown of the wooden instruments. The atmosphere is serious and focused, with a hint of melancholic beauty.
0:03older man seated
A medium shot features an older European man seated in a dark, richly decorated room. The camera is positioned at eye level, capturing him from the chest up. He is centrally framed, looking slightly off-camera to his right, as if engaged in a conversation. The background is indistinct but suggests a luxurious, traditional interior with dark wood and possibly upholstered furniture, though only shadowy forms are visible. The lighting is subdued, with warm light highlighting his face and hands, creating a sense of intimacy and seriousness. The overall color palette is dominated by dark, muted tones of black, brown, and grey. His hands are clasped together in his lap, a gesture of thoughtful engagement. He is speaking, his mouth slightly open.
0:04soldiers 1916 portrait
A stylized medium-full shot depicts three young European men dressed in World War I-era military uniforms, posing formally against a painted backdrop. The camera is positioned at eye level, presenting them as if in a studio portrait. Two men stand back-to-back in the background, facing away from each other, while one man sits in a green upholstered armchair in the foreground, his arms crossed. All three wear brown military uniforms with caps. The backdrop is a classical landscape painting featuring rolling green hills, a small river, and distant buildings, providing a pastoral contrast to their military attire. The lighting is soft and even, typical of studio photography, highlighting the subjects. The text "1916" is prominently displayed in large, white, sans-serif numbers in the center of the frame, superimposed over the seated soldier, establishing the historical context. The dominant colors are muted browns, greens, and ochres.
0:05woman by brick wall
A medium shot frames a young European woman seated on the ground, leaning against a weathered brick wall in an outdoor urban setting. The camera is positioned slightly above her, looking down. Her body is slightly angled to the left, and she looks directly ahead with a vacant expression. To her left, an old-fashioned clothes wringer with wooden rollers and a metal frame is visible on top of another brick structure, suggesting a utilitarian backyard or alleyway. The background shows more brick buildings with windows, indicating a densely built environment. The lighting is overcast and soft, creating a slightly muted and melancholic atmosphere. The dominant colors are dull greys, browns from the bricks, and muted greens from her clothing and scattered foliage. She holds a light-colored ceramic mug with both hands, resting it on her lap.
0:06misty field silhouettes
A wide, atmospheric shot captures a vast, misty landscape under a heavy, overcast sky. The camera is positioned at eye level, emphasizing the expansive, desolate environment. In the extreme foreground, a strip of dark, indistinct vegetation, possibly a field, stretches across the bottom of the frame. Small, dark silhouettes of multiple figures, appearing to be soldiers, are barely discernible against the lighter mist and sky, moving across this field. The entire scene is enveloped in a thick, grey fog or low cloud, severely limiting visibility and creating a sense of mystery, isolation, and unease. The color palette is almost entirely monochrome, dominated by various shades of grey and dark, desaturated greens. There is a slow, almost imperceptible dolly movement forward, enhancing the feeling of moving through the dense atmosphere.
0:07woman at desk serious
A medium close-up of an older European woman, framed from the chest up, seated in a formal, wood-paneled room. The camera is at eye level, presenting her with a direct, serious gaze. She is looking slightly to her left, with a firm, almost disapproving expression. The background consists of dark, rich wooden paneling with carved details, giving the impression of an old, established institution or private study. The lighting is soft and even, highlighting her features without harsh shadows. The color palette is dominated by deep browns, dark greens from her clothing, and muted blues from her eyes. She is positioned slightly to the left of the center. Her hands are clasped on a surface, likely a desk, though it is not fully visible.
0:08man at night street
A full shot of a European man standing alone on a cobbled or paved street at night, framed from a low angle looking slightly up. He is seen in profile, facing right, with his hands in his pockets, appearing lost in thought. The background is blurred, showing the dark outline of a large building with faintly lit windows and a classic gas lamp-style streetlight glowing softly in the middle distance. The lighting is dim, primarily from the streetlights, casting soft shadows and highlighting the outlines of his figure. The overall color palette is dark and cool, dominated by shades of grey, black, and deep brown, with a touch of warm yellow from the distant lights. The atmosphere is quiet and contemplative, perhaps lonely.
0:09farewell train station
A medium close-up shot captures a European woman and a young boy waving from the open windows of a moving train. The camera is positioned alongside the train, looking into the carriages. The woman is in the foreground, enthusiastically waving her right arm out of the window, her face alight with a wide, emotional smile, a mix of joy and sadness. A young boy with red hair is next to her, also leaning out, looking wide-eyed. In the background, other indistinct figures in uniform can be seen in other train windows, waving. The train's brown wooden carriages are visible. The lighting is bright and natural, suggesting an outdoor daytime scene, though slightly overcast. The dominant colors are muted browns, beiges, and the bright, hopeful color of the woman's face and hands. The scene conveys a powerful sense of farewell and departure.
0:10newsboy with bike
A medium shot captures a young European man pushing a bicycle, with a grand, historical stone building serving as the background. The camera is positioned slightly below eye level, looking up at him as he moves from right to left across the frame. He is in the left half of the frame, walking forward, looking slightly off-camera. The building behind him is made of ornate grey stone, with multiple arched windows and classical architectural details, suggesting a public building or mansion from the turn of the century. The lighting is natural and bright, indicating an outdoor daytime scene, possibly slightly overcast, creating a soft, diffused light. The color palette is dominated by cool greys, greens from the distant grass, and warm beiges from his clothing. He carries rolled newspapers on his bicycle.
0:11man intense conversation
A tight close-up focuses on the face of a middle-aged European man, seen from a low angle, looking intently off-camera to his right. The camera is very close, emphasizing his facial features and expression. His face fills a significant portion of the left side of the frame. His eyes are wide and piercing, conveying deep thought or concern. The background is out of focus, showing only soft, warm light and blurred shapes, suggesting an indoor setting with natural light filtering through. The lighting emphasizes his face, casting subtle shadows that highlight the contours of his beard and jawline. The dominant colors are warm browns from his beard and clothing, contrasting with the bright blue of his eyes. He is speaking, his lips slightly parted.
0:12women admiring building
A wide shot captures two European women, viewed from behind, standing on a sidewalk and looking up at a grand, imposing brick building. The camera is positioned at eye level, presenting an expansive view of the architecture and surroundings. The building, made of light-colored brick, features multiple tall, arched windows and an ornate steeple or tower with a circular structure at its apex, characteristic of late 19th or early 20th-century institutional architecture. Lush green trees and bushes are neatly planted along the front of the building, behind a black wrought-iron fence. The sky above is a soft, pastel pink and orange, indicating either sunrise or sunset, casting a warm, gentle light over the entire scene. The dominant colors are the warm ochre of the brick, deep greens of the foliage, and the soft pastels of the sky. The women stand close together, their posture suggesting contemplation and appreciation.
0:14choir from behind conductor
A medium shot captures a group of European individuals, forming a choir, from behind the shoulder of a man who appears to be conducting or leading them. The camera is positioned slightly to the left and behind the conductor, looking over his shoulder towards the choir. The choir members, predominantly women, are dressed in period clothing, including various styles of hats. They stand in an orderly fashion within a large, high-ceilinged room with muted, possibly stone or plaster, walls. One woman in the foreground on the left, wearing a brown dress and hat, looks directly ahead with a wide-eyed, slightly surprised or earnest expression. The lighting is soft and natural, suggesting light from unseen windows. The overall color palette is subdued, with dominant browns, greys, and muted blues from clothing, giving a slightly solemn or formal atmosphere.
0:15choir singing full
A medium-wide shot captures a large choir of European men and women singing enthusiastically, viewed from behind the conductor. The camera is positioned further back than the previous scene, offering a fuller view of the entire choir. They are arranged in rows, holding open hymnals or songbooks, their mouths open in song. Behind them, large, multi-paned arched windows dominate the background, allowing natural daylight to flood the room. The interior appears to be a large, possibly institutional hall or church, with high ceilings and light-colored walls. The lighting is bright and even, creating a clear and uplifting atmosphere. The clothing is period-appropriate, featuring muted colors of browns, greys, and some darker tones. The expressions of the choir members are earnest and joyful.
0:17review text pink
A static, solid pink background fills the entire frame. Two distinct quotes from film reviews are displayed in large, elegant white sans-serif text. The first quote, "UNDENIABLY POWERFUL," is centered near the top, with "AWARDS WATCH" in a smaller font beneath it. The second quote, "RALPH FIENNES GIVES AN AMAZING PERFORMANCE," is centered below the first, with "COLLIDER" in a smaller font underneath. The text is clean, sharp, and easy to read against the vibrant pink. The lighting is flat and even, characteristic of a graphic card. The color palette is strictly bright pink and white, creating a cheerful yet professional aesthetic. No actions or camera movements occur.
0:19soldier walking alley
A medium-full shot captures a European man in military uniform walking down a narrow, rustic alleyway or lane. The camera is positioned at eye level, following him from the right as he moves towards the left. The lane is flanked by low, weathered stone walls on either side, topped with overgrown green bushes and small trees. In the background, rolling green hills and a cloudy sky are visible, suggesting a rural or semi-rural setting. The overall lighting is soft and natural, indicating an overcast daytime. The dominant colors are muted greens, browns from the uniform and stone, and light greys from the sky. The text from the previous review card, "UNDENIABLY POWERFUL" and "RALPH FIENNES GIVES AN AMAZING PERFORMANCE," is semi-transparently overlaid on the scene, subtly linking the visual with the critical acclaim. The man is walking with purpose, his head slightly bowed.
0:20man thoughtful indoors
A medium close-up focuses on the face and upper torso of a middle-aged European man, framed from the chest up. The camera is at eye level, presenting him with a thoughtful and slightly melancholic expression as he looks out of frame to his right, towards a window or source of light. He stands in an elegant, well-lit interior, possibly a study or parlor, with soft, diffused light coming from the right side of the frame. The background is blurred, showing subtle architectural details and a hint of a large window. The lighting is gentle, creating soft highlights on his face and the folds of his dark clothing. The dominant colors are deep blacks from his suit, contrasting with the lighter, muted tones of the background. He is standing, hands out of view, with a posture of quiet contemplation.
0:21woman exiting door
A medium shot captures a young European woman briskly walking out of a dark, slightly open doorway, moving from the left side of the frame towards the right. The camera is static, positioned at a medium height. The doorway, dark green, reveals a glimpse of a cluttered, lived-in interior behind her, with shelves, plates, and curtains visible, all out of focus. The woman is in motion, her body slightly blurred, suggesting urgency. The lighting inside the house appears dimmer than the exterior light, which illuminates her as she steps through the threshold. The color palette features dark greens, muted browns, and the brighter tones of her clothing as she steps into the light. She carries a white cloth or small item in her hands.
0:22men swimming mill
A wide shot captures two European men swimming in a river or canal alongside a large, historic stone mill building. The camera is positioned slightly above eye level, looking down at the water and the building. In the foreground, one man is in mid-air, naked, jumping into the water from a grassy bank. Another man is already in the water, swimming. The mill building is a prominent feature, constructed from light-colored stone, with multiple symmetrically placed windows with white frames. A tall, brick industrial chimney rises vertically into the grey, overcast sky behind the mill. Lush green foliage and tall grass line the banks of the water. The lighting is soft and diffused, typical of an overcast day. The dominant colors are muted greens, greys, and the light brown of the stone building. The scene conveys a sense of youthful freedom and a historical industrial landscape.
0:23smiling woman outdoors
A close-up shot of a young Black woman's face, smiling genuinely, positioned outdoors amidst lush green foliage. The camera is at eye level, focusing tightly on her upper body. She is seated, with her body angled slightly to the right, looking directly at the camera. The background is a soft blur of vibrant green leaves and branches, suggesting a natural, possibly wooded, setting. The lighting is natural and soft, highlighting her features and the texture of her uniform. The dominant colors are rich greens from the foliage and the deep black of her uniform, contrasting with her warm skin tone and bright smile. Her expression is one of pure joy and warmth.
0:24soldier nurse embrace
A medium shot captures a heartfelt embrace between a European man in a military uniform and a European woman in a nurse's uniform, set in a dimly lit, formal indoor space. The camera is positioned at eye level, emphasizing the emotional connection. They are hugging tightly, facing away from the camera, with the man's arm around the woman's waist and her arms around his shoulders. The background is dark and out of focus, showing indistinct figures, possibly other attendees, and a decorative, shiny object in the foreground, out of focus. The lighting is dramatic and warm, with strong backlighting that creates halos around their figures and emphasizes the intimacy of the moment. The dominant colors are dark browns, blues, and whites, set against a dark, warm background. The atmosphere is tender and poignant, suggesting a reunion or a difficult farewell.
0:25man speaking directly
A medium shot frames a middle-aged European man from the chest up, standing confidently in a well-appointed room, looking directly at the camera. The camera is positioned at eye level. He is centrally framed, his gaze direct and engaging. The background is a softly blurred, elegant interior with classical architectural elements, possibly columns or large windows, allowing natural light to enter. The lighting is soft and even, highlighting his features without harsh shadows, giving a clear and open impression. The color palette is dominated by dark blacks and greys from his suit, contrasting with the lighter, muted tones of the background. His hands are out of frame, but his posture is upright and assertive, suggesting he is making a statement or giving a command.
0:26man overlooking scene
A medium shot frames a middle-aged European man from the chest up, standing in a grand, empty hall or auditorium. The camera is positioned at a slightly lower angle, looking up at him, emphasizing his presence and authority. He is centrally framed, looking downwards and slightly off-camera, as if observing something on a lower level or a stage. The background consists of rows of red wooden seating, similar to a classical theatre or opera house, receding into the distance. The walls are light-colored with ornate architectural details. The lighting is warm and natural, casting soft highlights on his face and shoulders. The color palette is rich with deep blacks, dark reds, and muted golds from the architectural details. His posture is upright and commanding, with a serious, contemplative expression.
0:27closing title card
A static, solid pink background fills the entire frame. The top half displays four groups of five white stars, arranged in a 2x2 grid, representing critical acclaim. Below each group, a small, white text indicates the source (e.g., "HEAT", "ROBBIE COLLIN. THE TELEGRAPH", "RADIO TIMES", "KEVIN MAHER. THE TIMES"). Below the stars, the main title "THE CHORAL" is presented in large, elegant white sans-serif text, centered. Further below, "WRITTEN BY ALAN BENNETT" and "DIRECTED BY NICHOLAS HYTNER" are displayed in smaller white text. The bottom section includes an "R" rating graphic ("RESTRICTED FOR SOME LANGUAGE AND SEXUAL CONTENT"), followed by "NOW PLAYING ONLY IN THEATERS" in larger white text. Various production company logos (BBC FILM, SCREEN YORKSHIRE, HEAD GEAR, METROL TECHNOLOGY, SONY PICTURES CLASSICS) are arranged across the very bottom. The lighting is flat and even, highlighting the text against the vibrant pink.
