The Diving Bell and the Butterfly ;
Shaving scene - the use of the handheld camera in the apartment creates realism and draws a parallel to Jean-Do as it represents his active life which can be reflected through this and also through the use of frantic movement.
Beach scene - the use of static camera creates a more dismal scene as this juxtaposes the shaving scene, which reflects Jean-Do before the stroke to be active and mobile whereas the beach scene reflects Jean-Do after his stroke to be immobile.
The fantasy sequence - the close ups shots at the start of sequence focuses upon the butterfly which reflects the start of Jean-Do's imagination which then leads to bigger imaginative objects. The close up of the butterfly is a representation of his expansion of imagination.
Compared to the mid and wider shots as the sequence progresses, it is a wider representation of Jean-Do going deeper into his imagination reflected through the wider shots. The scene ends with a montage of photos from Jean-Dos life edited in reverse chronology, this is used as it evokes sympathy as it shows him as a baby which conveys him to be more vulnerable like he is now represented due to his stroke. The editing of the fantasy scene confirms that we are seeing Jean-Dos imagination in action through the fades which reflects the start of his imagination. The eye-line match editing shows what jean do sees as well as the audience showing Jean-Do's imagination.
City of god ;
Apartment story - the use of static camera is used to confirm to the audience that they are only observers of the story, watching it rather than being apart of it. The use of fades reflects the passage of time, showing that time has passed in relation to the apartment story. The lighting in this scene, begins with being light and colourful which reflects the Favela before the decline and as the scene progresses the lighting becomes darker which is a representation of the Favela's darkness in relation to the crime and violence reflected through the context of the apartment scene. This is representation of the city of god in general reflects what is happening.
freeze-frame - the use of freeze-frames is used to introduce the characters in the film.
split screens - the use of split screen in the film is used to emphasise the importance of action simultaneously
the use of restless editing in the film gives it significance as it presents the film itself and the narrative to be very 'restless' which reflects the city of god itself in which it is unpredictable and the violence can change quickly which is conveyed through the editing.
the cinematography and editing in the 'flying chicken' sequence creates meaning as it represents the key plot line in how in the city of god there is no escape although many people have attempted this.
Showing posts with label City of God & Diving Bell and the Butterfly. Show all posts
Showing posts with label City of God & Diving Bell and the Butterfly. Show all posts
Thursday, 6 December 2018
City of God -Sound
two examples of diegetic and non-diegetic sound in the film - City of God
The significance of the use of first person voiceover
the use of music
"Kung fu fighting" - in Benny's party and death scene
The music in these scene is contrapuntal sound as kung fu is a martial art which has connotations of discipline and control in use of self defence whereas city of god itself contrast to this where crime and violence is irrational and is done for the sake of it, which shows Benny's death scene to be more brutal and in the song the use of flutes sound has connotations of sadness conveying the emotions of Benny's death.
"sex machine" - Benny's party
Presents his own view of himself as a 'sex machine' who is loveable, attractive whereas this contrasts to Lil'ze as he isn't loveable or attractive which emphasises their difference and the different paths they are taking. Where Lil'ze is becoming more violent and irrational and Benny is trying to escape the City of God.
End scene
The music in the end scene is contrapuntal sound, as it has connotations of optimism which reflects rockets feelings through the voiceover which contrasts the the action of the runts taking over the favela which will progressively become worse.
Diegetic - gunshots, music at Bennys party
Non-diegetic - Rocket's voiceover and the use of music
The significance of the use of first person voiceover
The first person voiceover of Rocket adds to the authenticity of the film as it is based on a true story it adds more truth to the film as it is coming from his own perspective and story. it also adds authenticity as rocket, in the film, is a photographer for the newspaper which gives more truth to the film as his profession is to document news through capturing real life. Rockets voiceover through the narration conveys himself as calm and confident which could also be a use of contrapuntal sound as in fact he isn't confident and calm but represents himself this way through the voiceover.
the use of music
"Kung fu fighting" - in Benny's party and death scene
The music in these scene is contrapuntal sound as kung fu is a martial art which has connotations of discipline and control in use of self defence whereas city of god itself contrast to this where crime and violence is irrational and is done for the sake of it, which shows Benny's death scene to be more brutal and in the song the use of flutes sound has connotations of sadness conveying the emotions of Benny's death.
"sex machine" - Benny's party
Presents his own view of himself as a 'sex machine' who is loveable, attractive whereas this contrasts to Lil'ze as he isn't loveable or attractive which emphasises their difference and the different paths they are taking. Where Lil'ze is becoming more violent and irrational and Benny is trying to escape the City of God.
End scene
The music in the end scene is contrapuntal sound, as it has connotations of optimism which reflects rockets feelings through the voiceover which contrasts the the action of the runts taking over the favela which will progressively become worse.
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly - Sound
How does sound create meaning in these 3 key sequences?
The fantasy sequence where Jean-Do imagines the butterfly's birth and moments from his own life :
The sound creates meaning in this scene as when it shows the butterflies birth the music played is triumphant and uplifting as Jean-Do, although immobile still has his imagination in which gives him his own freedom through this, represented by the music. As the memories from his past life before the stroke are displayed the music becomes more downbeat and dismal, as he reminisces about the things he could do before which he can not do now, which creates meaning through the use of the music. Throughout this scene the music becomes progressively louder and expressive which portrays his imagination and memory. The sound bridge at the end of this scene shows that Jean-Do is still thinking about the the memories from his past life and his imagination continuing. Also the continuous use of non-diegetic sound is conveyed through the use of the voiceover, which creates meaning as it shows that Jean-Do's voice within his head is untouched and although he cant communicate verbally or physically only through blinking one of his eyes his voice is untouched and is the only thing that hasn't changed in result of the stroke.
The shaving scene, in his fathers apartment :
The sound creates meaning in this scene through the lack of sounds which conveys how the scene is emotionless in relation to Jean-Do and his father. The use of only diegetic sound of him shaving is father draws more realism to the scene and intensity of the coarseness and harshness of shaving. The lack of emotion is created by the use of sound in which presents Jean-Do to perform a perfunctory task, which he doesn't want to actually do, he is just doing as a duty for his father and his father is unable to shave himself, represented through the use of diegetic sound. The use of dialogue in the scene also creates meaning as his father is more talkative and complimentary of Jean-Do whereas in comparison Jean-Do is more dismissive of his conversation with his father and is more in a rush to end the conversation.
The beach scene on father day :
The sound creates meaning through this scene by the use of diegetic sounds such as the children laughing which draws emphasis to how Jean-Do is unable to communicate with his own children and so the emphasis on their laughter and giggles conveys his immobility and his sadness that he can't talk to them, also the use of diegetic sound of the waves crashing against the beach also emphasises his distance from his children and wife . The use of the non diegetic sounds of the jazz music, is melodic and upbeat which complements his family at the beach playing games etc. As the scene progresses the jazz music creates a contrast to the distress of his children in seeing him after his stroke.
The beach scene on father day :
The sound creates meaning through this scene by the use of diegetic sounds such as the children laughing which draws emphasis to how Jean-Do is unable to communicate with his own children and so the emphasis on their laughter and giggles conveys his immobility and his sadness that he can't talk to them, also the use of diegetic sound of the waves crashing against the beach also emphasises his distance from his children and wife . The use of the non diegetic sounds of the jazz music, is melodic and upbeat which complements his family at the beach playing games etc. As the scene progresses the jazz music creates a contrast to the distress of his children in seeing him after his stroke.
Wednesday, 17 October 2018
City of God -Film Form
How is the decline and deterioration shown in the film through the Mise-en-scene?
The decline and deterioration of the Favela's is portrayed through the Mise-en-scene in the opening scene by the City of God sign in the 70's, which is seen to be vandalised and covered in graffiti whereas in the flashbacks of the Favela in the 60's, the City of God sign is clean and free of vandalism which is a visual representation of the gradual decline and deterioration. This is also shown by the decline in the brightness around the Favela, represented in the scenes in the 60's where the houses around spread horizontally which the sun beams through where they're playing football. Whereas in the beginning scenes in the 70's the Favela is more dismal and dull as it is surrounded by the buildings which tower over the City of God, emphasising the gradual deterioration of the Favela as minimal sunlight seeps through showing how dark the community has become.
what are the main connotations behind the montage of shots which show L'il Dice become L'il Ze?
The montage shots of L'il Ze, where he is shooting people over the time whilst he is growing up, carries connotations that he is evil as he enjoys this by the smile shown when he shoots them also shown by his menacing laugh. This also shows that he is gradually becoming more out of control and therefore unstoppable leading to him gaining more power over people as they now fear him. Also the montage shots of L'il Dice shooting innocent people is at night, which carries connotations of death, darkness of the soul and loss of faith. Following this montage, it is shown that he is participating in a ritual in which he sells his soul to the devil, this carries connotations of darkness and evil as 'rituals' support the devil in comparison to the church which it is the opposite for what the rituals stand for - which is evil makings allowing L'il Dice to then become L'il Ze.
Thursday, 4 October 2018
The Diving Bell & the Butterfly -Mise-en-scene
How does the Mise-en-scene create meaning throughout the film?
Throughout the film the frequent use of Icebergs, portrays Jean Bauby's life in which the Iceberg carries connotations of power, significance and coldness, presenting his life before stroke as he was an Elle magazine editor therefore he was significant and powerful within his occupation. Also the frequent use of the dream sequences of the Diving Bell is a portrayal of himself in which represents how he is trapped in his own body unable to move. Also the dream sequences of the 'butterfly' is another a portrayal of himself but instead his mind. In which the butterfly carries connotations of freedom and creativity. Also the use of voiceovers portrays the frustration of his paralysis as he is unable to speak he can therefore only communicate through his left eye even though he is still actively speaking in his mind.
How do the representations and role in the scene of Jean-Do shaving his father and the scene where his children visit him switch and alternate?
In the scene where Jean-Do is shaving his father, he is represented as lively and energetic, but also in control as his fathers vulnerability is portrayed through this scene, by the use of close up shots. In the scene where his children visit him on the beach he is now unable to move and speak presenting him like his father, to be vulnerable and static as they are both stuck. His father being stuck in his apartment and Jean-Do being stuck in his own body. This draws parallel to the earlier scene of him shaving his father as he is now incapable of being lively and energetic showing that a lot can change in a same amount of time, as these scenes were days apart from each other showing the drastic changing character of Jean-Do.
Significance of the Icebergs
Throughout the film the frequent use of the imagery of icebergs is shown, which is a representation of Jean-Dos life. The icebergs carry connotations of power and significance whichever is then seen to break away by the images of icebergs falling which could represent Jean-Do beginning to gain back his humanity due to his condition therefore becoming less cold as a human and feeling less powerful, in the credits of the film the iceberg is then seen to be in reverse, to which could suggest that the cycle of life has begun again as at the end of the film Jean-Do does die, but also could suggest that even though his condition of locked in syndrome did lead to him feeling less significant he still gained his power through this and regained back his humanity in result of the stroke.
Throughout the film the frequent use of Icebergs, portrays Jean Bauby's life in which the Iceberg carries connotations of power, significance and coldness, presenting his life before stroke as he was an Elle magazine editor therefore he was significant and powerful within his occupation. Also the frequent use of the dream sequences of the Diving Bell is a portrayal of himself in which represents how he is trapped in his own body unable to move. Also the dream sequences of the 'butterfly' is another a portrayal of himself but instead his mind. In which the butterfly carries connotations of freedom and creativity. Also the use of voiceovers portrays the frustration of his paralysis as he is unable to speak he can therefore only communicate through his left eye even though he is still actively speaking in his mind.
How do the representations and role in the scene of Jean-Do shaving his father and the scene where his children visit him switch and alternate?
In the scene where Jean-Do is shaving his father, he is represented as lively and energetic, but also in control as his fathers vulnerability is portrayed through this scene, by the use of close up shots. In the scene where his children visit him on the beach he is now unable to move and speak presenting him like his father, to be vulnerable and static as they are both stuck. His father being stuck in his apartment and Jean-Do being stuck in his own body. This draws parallel to the earlier scene of him shaving his father as he is now incapable of being lively and energetic showing that a lot can change in a same amount of time, as these scenes were days apart from each other showing the drastic changing character of Jean-Do.
Significance of the Icebergs
Throughout the film the frequent use of the imagery of icebergs is shown, which is a representation of Jean-Dos life. The icebergs carry connotations of power and significance whichever is then seen to break away by the images of icebergs falling which could represent Jean-Do beginning to gain back his humanity due to his condition therefore becoming less cold as a human and feeling less powerful, in the credits of the film the iceberg is then seen to be in reverse, to which could suggest that the cycle of life has begun again as at the end of the film Jean-Do does die, but also could suggest that even though his condition of locked in syndrome did lead to him feeling less significant he still gained his power through this and regained back his humanity in result of the stroke.
The Diving Bell & The Butterfly -Narrative
How does the narrative of the film and its structure reflect the key themes and messages of this story?
The monotonous narrative of the film reflects the life of Jean-Dominique Bauby who suffered a stroke leading to locked-in syndrome. His life is portrayed through the repetitiveness of the films structure in how he lives out his days doing the same thing emphasising how he is restricted in his own body, only capable of blinking one eye in which is they key to how he communicates. The non-chronically narrative in the film is reflected throughout, by the use of flashbacks -when showing Jean's life before the stroke, and is also reflected through dream sequences for example his dreams of the 'diving bell' which is a portrayal of himself in which its represents his body in how he is unable to move and also the dream sequences of the 'butterfly' is also a portrayal of himself but of his mind. In which carries connotations of freedom and creativity.
The monotonous narrative of the film reflects the life of Jean-Dominique Bauby who suffered a stroke leading to locked-in syndrome. His life is portrayed through the repetitiveness of the films structure in how he lives out his days doing the same thing emphasising how he is restricted in his own body, only capable of blinking one eye in which is they key to how he communicates. The non-chronically narrative in the film is reflected throughout, by the use of flashbacks -when showing Jean's life before the stroke, and is also reflected through dream sequences for example his dreams of the 'diving bell' which is a portrayal of himself in which its represents his body in how he is unable to move and also the dream sequences of the 'butterfly' is also a portrayal of himself but of his mind. In which carries connotations of freedom and creativity.
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