Proposal
An Analysis Of The Cinematic Techniques Used To Evoke
Melancholy In The Rights Of Passage Movie
My web drama series was to be a sequence of short episodes that would reflect a character’s personal life, and the choices they made, or something they experienced, that would have led to where they are now. The point of this would be inspire the feelings of melancholia in the viewer, making them think about their own lives and the choices they have faced and are yet to face. It inspires you to consider how could these decisions affect you later in your life.
It is a genre that is often overlooked in mainstream cinema, being side-lined for the more favourable ‘feel-good’ movies that can be sold to families en masse. As it is, until recently I had only seen one film that fulfilled this genre, a Japanese animated film by the name of “5 Centimetres Per Second,” which follows the story of two close friends who develop feelings for one another, but move away from one another without expressing these feelings. The film then follows how they deal with separation, before coming to the conclusion that they will never be together, but have to live their lives wondering ‘what if?’
The question I am hoping to answer in this research project is “How is the emotion of Melancholia inspired in film, and does it affect a film’s success?”
I shall be studying the films “It’s A Wonderful Life” and “Forrest Gump”, both of which inspire this emotion in some form. I shall study the structure of the films and which specific parts aid in answering my question, as well as how these segments do so. I shall read reviews on all of these films to assess how this theme affects the response it receives, and look at the profit or loss incurred to deem how successful it was.
After much deliberation, I have concluded that I will also investigate the film "Slumdog Millionaire" and thus be looking at a film from vastly different decades and directors.
I expect, following a visit to the BFI library on November 7, I should have enough material to extensively compile my report and review.
Special Subject Investigation
An Investigation And Analysis Of The Cinematic
Techniques Used To Evoke Melancholy In The Rights Of Passage Movie
By Owen Hayward
Melancholy:
- A feeling of pensive sadness; typically with no obvious cause;
- Sober thoughtfulness;
- A gloomy state of mind, especially when habitual or prolonged.
Perhaps what I'm trying to accomplish is to
show how this feeling is evoked in the mind of the viewer, from the films of
this genre. Specifically, I find myself admiring life and all its complexities,
and even contemplating my own life on occasions. I would go as far to say that
perhaps it is even a feeling of nostalgia that is coupled with melancholy,
whereby you look back at key moments in your life that have defined the path
you have taken to end up where you are.
I see these types of films personally as a
way of trying to encourage the best in people, be that by showing a life gone
wrong and how it came to be so, or showing the daily struggles that we all face
to unit us as one in life. Each film, whilst achieving the same reaction,
varies in their approach to such a matter.
It's A Wonderful Life
Ending scenes to "It's A Wonderful Life", during which George realises the value of the life he has.
A film that could perhaps be best described
as “life in a nutshell.” There’s no doubt in my mind that each and every one of
us has, or will have, at some point in our lives questioned our own existence –
who we are in the world, what part do we play in the grand scheme of things.
Indeed, no doubt everyone will have also experienced great unhappiness at who
they are... or were.
“It’s A Wonderful Life” is a film that does
well to remind us that we may not all rise to the top in our fields, that life
is full of bumps and obstacles that do well to overthrow us in our goals and
ambitions. But ultimately, we have our lives and that even the simplest of ways
can bring great happiness if you stop and look at things.
The main focus of the story, George Bailey (James Stewart)'s reflection on life and how things would be without him, does not come into play until late in the second half of the film, with the first hour and a half focusing on his life up to the point of question, showing how he had previously overcome struggles to be where he currently is.
Forrest Gump
Trailer for Forrest Gump
Perhaps one of Hanks' most memorable performances is in this 1994 film about the life of a South American boy with a low I.Q. who has been present, albeit accidentally, at numerous historical events, whilst his true love constantly eludes him.
The character of Forrest Gump is not one people would initially be interested by. However, in the setting he is given and through those he interacts with on screen, the character radiates a strange familiarity to us all. Gump recalls his life from his seat on the bench, leading him up to where he is today.
Unlike "It's A Wonderful Life", "Forrest Gump" utilises flashbacks of the real events in the character's life, interspersed with cuts to his current time and place as he reflects on it all (and offers chocolates to those who lend an ear.)
Slumdog Millionaire
Trailer for Slumdog Millionaire
A film complete contrast to my previous selections; Slumdog Millionaire, set in India, became a national sensation upon its release, winning Best Director, Picture and Screenplay at the Golden Globes, BAFTAs AND Oscars - the only film (after Schindler's List) to do so!
The story focuses on the life of Jamal, who, upon opening of the film we see as a contestant on the Indian version of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?", recalls the events of his life, in which are major clues he uses to work out the answers to the questions asked to him on the show. These flashbacks are also interspersed with shots of Jamal being interviewed whilst in custody under suspicion of cheating.
The story focuses on the life of Jamal, who, upon opening of the film we see as a contestant on the Indian version of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?", recalls the events of his life, in which are major clues he uses to work out the answers to the questions asked to him on the show. These flashbacks are also interspersed with shots of Jamal being interviewed whilst in custody under suspicion of cheating.
Analysis
Happy Endings - It's A Wonderful Life
As previously mentioned, the "reflective" chapter of
"Wonderful Life" comes into play over half way into the film - it actually fills very little of the film.
The majority of the picture focuses solely on George Bailey’s life up to the
point he starts to question the point of his existence.
His life has been about helping those who need it via his “Buildings
& Loans” business. Throughout his career, his main rival - Mr Potter – has persistently
tried to run him out of business, and his chance comes when Bailey’s assistant
- Uncle Billy – loses a staggering $8000 en-route to the bank, which Mr Potter
then finds. Knowing that without it, Bailey will be forced into administration
and face a jail term for not being able to make the required payments to the
bank, Potter stashes the find away, and refuses to help Bailey when he comes in
search of the lost cash.
Bailey has longed to travel and to see the world, but his business (and
the fact that it is the only thing stopping Mr Potter from owning the entire
town) has meant he has never done so. After dedicating his life to,
essentially, one persistent good deed that has long benefitted the residents of
the town, he cannot understand how such an awful thing has come to happen to
him.
Knowing the he could face a jail term, losing his business and more, he
contemplates suicide to escape his grim situation, questioning what actual
difference he has made to world. It is at this point that he meets Clarence - an
Angel who is out to earn his wings - who takes him into a nightmarish alternate world,
where George was never born. On this trip, George sees for himself the
difference he has really made; in this parallel reality, Mr Potter has
long-since taken over the town, and sunk it in sex and sin. Further to this,
all those who George would have known are either miserable, ruined or dead!
Whilst a remarkably short segment of the film (covering just 15 minutes of the 230 minute run time), it serves to remind us of just how much one person can make a difference. Little decisions that, to us, seem insignificant and worthless, may actually play a much large role with a greater effect in the world.
The stark contrast between the two realities we see on screen might very well remind someone that they do indeed matter, and inspire others to work harder to achieve their ambitions in life to make a difference, if they feel that they presently do not make one.
The scene is very chaotic, which helps emphasise the difference between the worlds where George does and does not live. George's character becomes very flustered and confused, and thus he resorts to outbursts of anger and violence, interrogating people that he would have known about who they are, why don't they know him, and "who is George Bailey?" Several run-ins with the police occur, where George is able to escape each for a short while before they catch up again.
The gap that we see that George has left, and how different things really are, is what has the greatest impact on the viewer. When George "returns to his life", and is elated to do so, we as an audience feel his joy, and feel better in ourselves because of this.
Whilst a remarkably short segment of the film (covering just 15 minutes of the 230 minute run time), it serves to remind us of just how much one person can make a difference. Little decisions that, to us, seem insignificant and worthless, may actually play a much large role with a greater effect in the world.
The stark contrast between the two realities we see on screen might very well remind someone that they do indeed matter, and inspire others to work harder to achieve their ambitions in life to make a difference, if they feel that they presently do not make one.
The scene is very chaotic, which helps emphasise the difference between the worlds where George does and does not live. George's character becomes very flustered and confused, and thus he resorts to outbursts of anger and violence, interrogating people that he would have known about who they are, why don't they know him, and "who is George Bailey?" Several run-ins with the police occur, where George is able to escape each for a short while before they catch up again.
The gap that we see that George has left, and how different things really are, is what has the greatest impact on the viewer. When George "returns to his life", and is elated to do so, we as an audience feel his joy, and feel better in ourselves because of this.
Just Keep Running - Forrest Gump
Forrest Gump, meanwhile, is constructed in a much different way. Where "Wonderful Life" is all about stopping and looking at yourself in the here and now, "Gump" is based more on the reflection of your life as a whole.
The film is Gump retelling the story of his life; growing up with his mental and physical disability, making his first friend, joining the army and so forth. It is interspersed with cuts to Gump in his present day, with a variety of people who he has merely started talking to, or who have come to listen to what he has to say, interacting with him to find out more (or to get away!)
Something that may be overlooked is that his whole life has revolved around just one thing - running. He almost literally ran through every chapter of his life; running away from bullies and into the football team, which lead him into the army. Here, running away led him to save his comrades and gain a medal of honour. An injury gained whilst doing this gave him the opportunity to discover his talent at ping pong, which then took him all over the country, and then to China! When he loses Jenny again, he starts running for no apparent reason. He finds her again by running to her address, after he receives a letter from her; it's then he finds he is the father of her child, and thus opens another segment of his life story.
Gump's life is one of coincidence and circumstance, and whilst it may be unrealistic, it holds many values and similarities to most viewers that they can empathise with; being different and an outcast, a figure of ridicule for others; the feeling of life just running from one thing into another. It's structure means that we, as an audience, can reflect on Forrest Gump's life with him, one stage at a time, whilst at the same time, compare ourselves with him. We think about all the many things we have done, and how each one has connected and led us to where we are today.
"This film is a great modern fable, a fable in the dictionary is defined as a brief fictitious story that teaches a moral. There are many morals defined in this film but foremost is integrity and a simple goodness.
I feel that much of Gumps' appeal is his downright sense of doing the right thing regardless of the people and situations around him and we see that in this film. That being the case maybe we all wish we could be just a little more like that, trying to maintain innate goodness and not the trade-offs we often make as we go down lifes highways."
- Zonieboy; Mesa; April 8 2002; IMDB User Reviews
"...what actually seems to be special about Forrest is that, regardless of his intelligence, he has the capacity to discover simple truth and life values that all the others around him miss: he tries to save Bubba endangering his own life, he gives Bubba's family money and mainly displays simple goodness in everything he does."
- adinutzza2001; Romania; February 14 2005; IMDB User Reviews
Both - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109830/reviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt
"Stripped to its purest essence, this movie is about loyalty and devotion, particularly to the ones in our lives we love and care about. These are the human values being reinforced. Loyalty. Devotion. Forrest Gump embodies loyalty and devotion. To his mama. To his good best buddy Bubba. To the love of his life, Jenny. To his leader, Lt. Dan. And in the end to Forrest Jr. One by one and all together Forrest sticks by and takes care of his family, friends, and loved ones. This is the thread running through the entire story. This is what carries Forrest to all of the remarkable places he goes along the way.
The use of a mentally challenged man as the leading man is a conceit, used to illustrate the point that loyalty and devotion are the most important things in life, trumping everything else. It drives home the point that nothing else really matters anywhere near as much. Indeed, it drives it home with blunt force."
- tightspotkilo; Oregon; November 19 2008; IMDB User Reviews
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109830/reviews?start=10
The film is Gump retelling the story of his life; growing up with his mental and physical disability, making his first friend, joining the army and so forth. It is interspersed with cuts to Gump in his present day, with a variety of people who he has merely started talking to, or who have come to listen to what he has to say, interacting with him to find out more (or to get away!)
Something that may be overlooked is that his whole life has revolved around just one thing - running. He almost literally ran through every chapter of his life; running away from bullies and into the football team, which lead him into the army. Here, running away led him to save his comrades and gain a medal of honour. An injury gained whilst doing this gave him the opportunity to discover his talent at ping pong, which then took him all over the country, and then to China! When he loses Jenny again, he starts running for no apparent reason. He finds her again by running to her address, after he receives a letter from her; it's then he finds he is the father of her child, and thus opens another segment of his life story.
Gump's life is one of coincidence and circumstance, and whilst it may be unrealistic, it holds many values and similarities to most viewers that they can empathise with; being different and an outcast, a figure of ridicule for others; the feeling of life just running from one thing into another. It's structure means that we, as an audience, can reflect on Forrest Gump's life with him, one stage at a time, whilst at the same time, compare ourselves with him. We think about all the many things we have done, and how each one has connected and led us to where we are today.
"This film is a great modern fable, a fable in the dictionary is defined as a brief fictitious story that teaches a moral. There are many morals defined in this film but foremost is integrity and a simple goodness.
I feel that much of Gumps' appeal is his downright sense of doing the right thing regardless of the people and situations around him and we see that in this film. That being the case maybe we all wish we could be just a little more like that, trying to maintain innate goodness and not the trade-offs we often make as we go down lifes highways."
- Zonieboy; Mesa; April 8 2002; IMDB User Reviews
"...what actually seems to be special about Forrest is that, regardless of his intelligence, he has the capacity to discover simple truth and life values that all the others around him miss: he tries to save Bubba endangering his own life, he gives Bubba's family money and mainly displays simple goodness in everything he does."
- adinutzza2001; Romania; February 14 2005; IMDB User Reviews
Both - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109830/reviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt
"Stripped to its purest essence, this movie is about loyalty and devotion, particularly to the ones in our lives we love and care about. These are the human values being reinforced. Loyalty. Devotion. Forrest Gump embodies loyalty and devotion. To his mama. To his good best buddy Bubba. To the love of his life, Jenny. To his leader, Lt. Dan. And in the end to Forrest Jr. One by one and all together Forrest sticks by and takes care of his family, friends, and loved ones. This is the thread running through the entire story. This is what carries Forrest to all of the remarkable places he goes along the way.
The use of a mentally challenged man as the leading man is a conceit, used to illustrate the point that loyalty and devotion are the most important things in life, trumping everything else. It drives home the point that nothing else really matters anywhere near as much. Indeed, it drives it home with blunt force."
- tightspotkilo; Oregon; November 19 2008; IMDB User Reviews
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109830/reviews?start=10
How Did I Get Here? - Slumdog Millionaire
Structurally, 'Slumdog' is very similar to 'Gump.' The story comprises of lengthy flashbacks from the present day scenario to the main character's past. A contestent on the Indian version of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire", Jamal has had a rough life; his parents were killed by a competing religion in his home slum, so he and his brother end up living at the dump, before being picked up by the owner of an orphanage. Becoming homeless again after running away from here also, he and his brother encounter further hardships as they try to make a half-decent life, living on the railways, becoming unofficial tour guides, and even stooping to thievery. Through each chapter of this chaotic life, Jamal encounters, witness or reads things, that later form answers to the questions he is asked on the quiz show.
It is the fact that he wins the top prize on the programme that fills the audience with elation. The fact that, despite going through all the hardships he has, he has still come out on top, evokes the determination within for people to try and copy in their own way; using their own life accomplishments to shape their own future. The thought that anyone - whatever their beginnings or circumstances - can rise to the top and achieve the very best, motivates those who are best receptive to such a message to follow and do so.
"'Slumdog Millionaire is by genre a comedic drama, but it becomes much more. The film asks questions about fate, righteousness, greed, and even urban sprawl. Above all, however, it asks about love in the face of the most dire obstacles, and if it can truly prosper. Jamal's story is a tragic and unfortunate one, but as seen through his eyes, it is still beautiful. The vast colour palate of India overwhelm any negative feelings, and Jamal's hope of finding and being with Latika overwhelm despair. For Jamal, 20m rupees isn't his prize. It would be nearly impossible for there to be a better picture this year."
Prepare yourself to be overtaken by emotions as varied as joy, pity, happiness, anger, revulsion, surprise, and an exhilarating conclusion rarely seen in movies anymore. This film has made me grateful to be alive and that we still have people in cinema like Boyle who understands the power and beauty of the medium. He knows that the perfect mix of a great story and the respective imagery can provoke unforgettable memories in its audience."
It is the fact that he wins the top prize on the programme that fills the audience with elation. The fact that, despite going through all the hardships he has, he has still come out on top, evokes the determination within for people to try and copy in their own way; using their own life accomplishments to shape their own future. The thought that anyone - whatever their beginnings or circumstances - can rise to the top and achieve the very best, motivates those who are best receptive to such a message to follow and do so.
"'Slumdog Millionaire is by genre a comedic drama, but it becomes much more. The film asks questions about fate, righteousness, greed, and even urban sprawl. Above all, however, it asks about love in the face of the most dire obstacles, and if it can truly prosper. Jamal's story is a tragic and unfortunate one, but as seen through his eyes, it is still beautiful. The vast colour palate of India overwhelm any negative feelings, and Jamal's hope of finding and being with Latika overwhelm despair. For Jamal, 20m rupees isn't his prize. It would be nearly impossible for there to be a better picture this year."
- Malickfan86; Toronto; September 7 2008; IMDB User Reviews
"There is an element of freshness in the way the story is presented, as we accompany Jamal through his life odyssey from a young child in the slums to a man who is determined to save those he loves. There are some strong emotions in the film, and Boyle's direction keeps the film dynamic and engaging.
Prepare yourself to be overtaken by emotions as varied as joy, pity, happiness, anger, revulsion, surprise, and an exhilarating conclusion rarely seen in movies anymore. This film has made me grateful to be alive and that we still have people in cinema like Boyle who understands the power and beauty of the medium. He knows that the perfect mix of a great story and the respective imagery can provoke unforgettable memories in its audience."
- Aharmas; USA; November 9 2008; IMDB User Reviews
"...it's a very unconventional film where they tell the story of his life in flashbacks while he plays the game. It's funny, sad, thrilling, basically a very enjoyable film that deserves numerous Oscar nominations."
- Vincent Cadena; Dallas; November 5 2008; IMDB User Reviews
All above - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1010048/reviews?ref_=tt_urv
Evaluation
I feel I have really only scratched the surface of what evokes the feeling of melancholia in film, and to gain a true insight into how this is carried out would require professional opinion from experienced screenwriters of film.
However, I have reached a conclusion that the factors themselves do not entirely evoke the feeling - it comes down to the personality of the viewer, and whether or not they are receptive to these contributions which make them feel this way.
As a project, I feel a lot more research would be required to draw a proper conclusion. However, given the nature of the subject, and its rather 'vague' definitions, it is not an entirely easy thing to research. As mentioned above, professional insight would be required to provide a clear understanding of how scripts are written in this fashion, and whether or not this outcome is intentional or merely coincidental.
No comments:
Post a Comment