One of the most appealing features of the film is its camera movement. While watching the film, it seems like the camera has a mind of its own. Its lens do not necessarily follow the action of the main characters all the time. At times it seems to wonder around and explore the environment on its own. One prominent example of this is when the camera lingers on the school wall and closes up on the children’s drawings totally ignoring Theo who enters the school building. At other times the camera can be characterized as a spy that sneaks up on the characters and provides the viewers with detailed information. For instance, we get a glance at Jasper’s setting room. The spy-like presence of the camera reveals details of Jasper’s life, the living room is where he entertains guests, listens to music and smokes “a strawberry cough” cigarette” (54:09). It’s is also where he recalls details of Theo and Julian’s relationship and reveals private information about their son who passes away in tragic circumstances. Through the camera’s spy-like shot, we are able to observe Theo as he overhears Jasper’s conversation. The scene was shot in an angel that catches both the living room and Theo, who hears the story quietly and then slips away without being noticed. The camera movement is also amusing because it runs with the characters, shakes and is also splattered with blood. Instead of shooting the scenes at a distance, the lens are involved in the events, rooting for the “good guys” and even escaping with them in the car. The camera is characterized as a curious spy, a caring mother who turns around to see the baby just as Kee was pushing her out.
-
How does the news forecast at the opening scene and the children’s laughter at the end affect your experience of the film?
-
The film displays many of the worlds political struggles in one country, what do you think he hopes to achieve via this mixture?
-
How does the character of Kee help the film tackle the problem of rape and minors?
-
Would you regard the film as an optimistic or a pessimist prediction of the future?
-
How does the use of photos advance the plot of the film?
ENG 654 