When watching the film, To Kill a Mockingbird, it is notable that the director spends a great deal of time capturing close-ups and extreme close-ups to capture the emotions of the characters. During moments of dialogue throughout the film, the camera tends to spend more time on the person listening and receiving the message than on the one who is speaking. This sends a powerful message because, this way, the audience is able to receive the message in the same way as the character in the film, and thus react similarly to the information. What is also interesting to note about the visuals in this film is what they decide not to show the audience. For example, when Scout, Jem, and Dill arrive at the courthouse to see what Atticus was doing, the audience is not able to see inside the courtroom to see the action until a later point in the movie. When a mysterious man, later identified to be Robert Ewell, attacks Jem and Scout, Scout hides inside her ham costume while Jem is being beaten until another mysterious figure steps in and kills Ewell. During the whole scuffle, the camera focuses entirely on Scout's eyes as she witnesses the action, only for the information about what actually happened to be revealed in later dialogue. This way the director is able to engage the audience's reaction to the piece by allowing them to sympathize with the characters and feel the suspense by not being allowed to know what's going on immediately at all times. – Joshua Davis
I really like how you interpreted how the movie used a close up filming technique. It really makes sense that the audience would better relate to the receiver of the dialogue. it is much easier to interpret and understand the way the character is reacting to the dialogue.
ReplyDeleteIt is very important to note the visual elements used in To Kill a Mockingbird. The close-ups and extreme close-ups are a way in which the director can place emphasis on a specific scene. I agree with your ideas on how the director can cause the audience to feel a certain way about characters and situations.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was interesting that the directors of the movie used movable cameras to show intensity or emphasis. Now thinking back to when I did watch the film that I felt anxiety at points where climatic situations occurred, especially at the court scene you exemplified.
ReplyDeleteInteresting observation about the camera and how it focuses on the receiver instead of the messenger. I always enjoy analyzing the visual elements and how the director staged the scenes.
ReplyDelete