2 para.COG and PL
In city of G-d,
Merielles creates meaning through his use of realism shown through contemporary
micro elements of film. In the apartment
sequence, the Mise en Scene in the apartment initially shows the apartment
decorated in a friendly and homely way (using warm colours and table cloths).
However as the time passes, highlighted by the use of fades on the characters
and furniture, the colour, saturation and decoration in the apartment slowly
and continuously are removed from the apartment. The apartment towards the
present time looks unpleasant and dirty. This juxtaposes from the world the
viewer is used to in which as time goes on apartments become more modern and
comfortable. By doing this Meirelles is creating meaning in showing the effects
of the drug and crime markets in the slums on everything in these areas. The
apartment is metaphorical for the drops in living standards linked to the rises
in crime at the time throughout the cities.
Similarly, Del
Toro creates meaning in Pan’s Labyrinth through the cinematography. In the
dinner scene, Vidal is shown sitting at the head of the table. He is constantly
in the frame and as each character speaks they speak towards him. Vidal being
centred in this scene as well as staying in focus for the majority of the scene
reflects the way each character shows Vidal immense respect due to their fear
of him. He is presented as a character covered in pride that demands constant
recognition for his work (as further seen through him wearing his uniform and
badges throughout the film). The way this scene and many others revolve around Vidal
represent the control demanded by the fascists in the Spanish civil war. Furthermore,
it shows the fascists – as presented through Vidal – to never feel positive
emotions such as love or amusement, only lust and greed. This is Del Toro
putting meaning into the film to create an overwhelming negative atmosphere
towards the fascists and their oppression of the Spanish people.
ReplyDeleteParagraph 1:
"In the apartment sequence, the Mise en Scene in the apartment initially shows the apartment decorated in a friendly and homely way" - this is a slightly awkward sentence - the word "apartment" is repeated three times. Always worth proof-reading your work to check phrasing is accurate and precise. Also, I wonder if there's a more 'filmy' way of expressing "decorated" - could you comment on how the set is dressed instead?
Paragraph 2:
"Similarly, Del Toro creates meaning in Pan’s Labyrinth through the cinematography." - this is an either/or question, so you should focus on either mise-en-scene or cinematography. Overall, this paragraph lacks detail - you mention the framing, but, in cinematographic terms, what else is going on? Is the camera static? If not, how is it moving? What shot sizes are used, and to what effect? As part of cinematography, you could also comment on lighting.
Mr Boon