Shot by shot Analysis

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Shot by Shot Analysis: The Best Years of Our Lives (dir. William Wyler, RKO 1946)
The scene where Fred loses his job for punching a male customer who claims that Homer, a sailor, and his dead companions due to war were foolish for having fought in the battle for the wrong side.
You can watch the scene here: /watch?v=D4EjRzzRQLI
Shot 1 (0.00-0.20)
Wide shot, straight on, Long take. A male customer is approaching the Soda fountain counter and where Fred works after returning from Butch's spot and places his order as he proceeds to read his new newspaper. There are two teenagers already seated on the counter waiting for their order. The sound in this take is of Fred scooping ice cream for the children and the dialogue between the male customer and Fred when the customer places his order. Mise-en-scéne.
The use of Mise-en-scéne in this shot is necessary as we can see the two children on the counter watching Fred make ready the ice creams and a colleague of Fred working. There is also the presence of a man reading in the background, but then he seems far in the back of the soda fountain. This pattern is similarly evident through the film.
There is the revelation of every detail within this particular shot scene, hence creating room for suspense on what might happen next in the film. In his shot, we can see the headline of the newspaper the male customer is reading, and hence William Wyler exhibiting the possible interests the customer has in political issues. However, the male customer is not of much interest in this shot as compared to the two teenagers and Fred at the counter.
Shot 2 (0:21-0:41)
In this shot, Fred is seen preparing the ice cream for the teenagers who appear to be eager, and this shot presents Fred as an expert in what he is employed to do. The teenagers appear amazed and excited when Fred hands over the ice cream to them. There are three sounds in this shot, Fred's voice talking to the teenagers, one of the teenagers whistling, and the drop of the ice cream spoons on the counter by Fred.
The process of service helps portray Fred as a professional in what he does as his job at the Soda fountain. The teenagers' facial expressions also show that they are amazed at the ice creams and with Fred for making such nice products. Fred also seems happy seeing how the teenagers are amazed at the ice creams he just made for them.
The aspect of dropping the spoons on the counter by Fred gives this shot the essence of reality as it proves that the ice creams are not just props for the shot. The whistling of the teenager also presents a happier atmosphere between Fred and the teenagers in this shot. Moreover, Fred and the teenagers' moment of happiness presents a smooth and unnoticeable transition into the next shot when Fred tilts his head while smiling.
Shot 3 (0:42-1.15)
In this shot, Homer is seen approaching the Soda Fountain counter and has a short conversation with Fred, who is now attending to the male customer's order. Homer then proceeds to have a conversation with the male customer, who t...