The use of black and white visually tells the audience that is is a Noir Thriller which then sets a grim and dull atmosphere thus emphasising the emotion of the character the camera is focused on. The birds eye view then makes the woman more vulnerable and powerless as she lays defensively on the floor. This then establishes character types by suggesting that she is the weaker one in this scene. Black and white is also significant as the woman appears to be dressed in a bridal costume and a white wedding dress signifies purity which is then contrasting to the harshness of the black. Along with the blood on her face, this is then the opposite of pure which is significant as it then suggests a lot about both characters in the scene by suggesting that they are involved with a criminal life.
The use of diegetic sound is then very effective as you hear slow footsteps which then - without knowing anything about this character - establishes that he is a brash, emotionless person who is the antagonist. A low angle shot is used in order to portray this to the audience as it suggests that he is powerful and detached from emotion through his slow walk suggesting he does not care and is in no hurry while he tortures the female character. The audience are then shown more about the male character when a close up is used suggesting furthermore that he is brash and bold by wearing gold jewelry. This is similar to Ordell Robbie in 'Jackie Brown' as both characters wear flashy jewelry which could be a representation of money as the history of jewelry show that it was a representation of nobility and only certain ranks could wear gold jewelry. This is then significant to this male character in the clip and Robbie as it suggests their wealth and how people may view them. They may fear them because they are of a 'higher rank' due to their costume which then shows their money through materialistic items. Tarantino then establishes thriller conventions by hinting to the audience that his hostile ways and flashy jewelry suggest a life of criminality by earning money through corrupt means.
The cliffhanger then appeals to the audience as this is the first sentence the woman speaks and it then leaves the audience asking more questions as it reveals the connection between the two characters. It also adds to the pre-conceptions of the male character as it suggests that he is ruthless by not caring about the female character and shooting her without any compassion.
I'm pleased you have been able to identify the similarities between Ordell Robbie and Bill. Both characters are into bling jewellery which indicates conceit and flashiness. Also this choice of accessory indicates (as you say criminality and I would add misogyny. Note "gangsta rap artists" whose obsessive use of flashy male jewellery is strongly associated with misogyny...(explicit in the lyrics).
ReplyDeleteFor example in Wikpedia....
" Eminem, for example, used misogyny in eleven of the 14 songs on his third studio album.[8] Common misogynistic themes include the use of derogatory names such as "bitch" and, sexual objectification of women, the legitimation of violence against women, the distrust of women, and the glorification of prostitution and pimping...."
This reflects the characters of Ordell and Bill. For example Ordell's treatment of Melanie in "Jackie Brown" and Bill's assault on The Bride" in Kill Bill 1.
To strengthen: (You have until 31 January to add the following)
1) You may wish to download a rap or hip hop music video which indicates misogyny and compare the representation of the male artist with aspects of Ordell and Bill. Specifically use of jewellery, misogyny in the lyrics or demeaning/voyeuristic images of women.
2) Developing your analysis - identifying more generic aspects of mise-en-scene which strongly indicate the thriller genre.
Next Step:
I suggest you begin to make use of the technology electronic coursework offers and begin to use Prezi or power points. In this way you can organize your responses around technical aspects of mise-en-scene and media concepts such as inter textuality and representation of gender, ethnicity, culture.
For example a slide on sound with an uploaded clip, another slide on use of colour, another on costume and so on with screen shots to illustrate your points.
A satisfactory case study and well done for keeping ahead of the deadline.
Chloe could you please file under G321 Thriller Research. Thanks.
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