There is a tinge of sadness and defeat in this image, as if he were expecting something, but it hasn't worked out to his advantage, he also comes across as vulnerable and misunderstood. I guess it can be seen as a bittersweet moment - he may think he has everything, but the best things in life can't always be handed to him on a silver platter.
Rose,
ReplyDeleteyou have communicated your interpretation of the image well. Is this based on research that you have started? For example in this scene has the character been misunderstood?
For those who wish to comment on the form of the image: talk about how Rose has come to this interpretation, for example how is the image telling you that he has been misunderstood?
Hobbs
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ReplyDeleteFrom what I can see in his facial expressions, The subject looks as though he is deep in thought maybe having a conflicting battle of thought about what has happened or is going on. With the background being all bright outside makes it harder to focus on the mood of the image rather then if it rained, the effect of the dark and gloomy day would contribute. There is alot of focus on the subjects face, its pretty much centered.
ReplyDeleteThe mood in this image, I think, is created by the slumped posture of the actor, a downward, almost defeated glance and an overall look of melancholy. The director has placed the actor centrally between the door frame. This focuses our attention directly to him. I'm wondering if we are also being led into the frame by the fruit. I think it is being used symbolically. e.g. lemons - sour situation, and getting the "rough end of the pineapple".
ReplyDeleteThe clothing and props (e.g. macrame) strongly suggest the 70's era.
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ReplyDeleteHi there,
ReplyDeleteRebecca - Yes, this is a screenshot from the film, "The Virgin Suicides", directed by Sofia Coppola (my chosen practitioner for the essay assignment)
In this particular scene, Trip Fontaine is receiving dating advice from his father, who apparently "was little help". Because he is said to be the most popular and most good looking guy in school, he thought this one girl would take interest. Here, the character is coming to the realization that he has to make an effort, that his "cool" but lazy persona and good looks won't charm everybody he comes across. Instead of waiting for her to do something, he needs to make the first move.
Daniel - I see where you're coming from when you talk about the lighting. I thought the brightness of the background teamed with the emotions of the character made for an interesting image because he is inside with his back to the sunlight, like he's trying to shut the world out. I also enjoyed seeing this character out of his comfort zone.
Eleanor - You're right, this movie is set in the 70's. Interesting thoughts about the fruit too! I decided to use a screenshot that included the fruit and the umbrella from his drink as a hint that he's from an upper middle class family, the type of fruit and the cocktail umbrella suggesting that he has his own tropical paradise waiting for him when he returns home from school each day.
Thanks all :)
Daniel,
ReplyDeleteyour observations of the lighting setup are interesting. Have you seen the movie? From my memory the content is quite heavy throughout, yet there seems to be allot of high key lighting situations. (Is this correct Rose?) Rose your interpretations of Daniels interpretations are interesting as well!
Keep up the good work
Hobbs
Eleanor,
ReplyDeleteyou appear to have a good handle on utilizing "formal" language to break down an image, this is great to see.
Hobbs
Rose,
ReplyDeleteit is great to see you respond to comments, I trust this will all help when it comes to writing the essay
Hobbs
Daniel and Eleanor
ReplyDeleteI am not sure what happened to my last comments for you both? The blog page has been playing up. Will do again now...
Hobbs
Daniel,
ReplyDeleteyour observations are interesting, you have expressed your thoughts well and I can see how you have come to your conclusions. And from the response you got from Rose I can see you have helped her to process the image from a different angle,
keep up the good work
Hobbs
Eleanor,
ReplyDeleteyou seem to have a good handle with using formal language to discuss images, this is good to see. In addition: you were able to decode this information to ascertain that the film has been set in the 70's. Keep up the good work
hobbs