The scene I am referring to is the reuniting of Margot and Richie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bl6FbeoXeHQ
This scene has many formal elements worth noting. As with the rest of the scene it is framed through the voice of an outside, omniscient narrator, giving more information collectively to the audience than any single character at one time. The scene is extremely detailed in its background, using panning shots that follow Richie and his surroundings. It also uses point of view shots from behind the shoulder of Richie and close ups of both Margot and Richie as they see each other again for the first time, enhanced by the overlapping of music in a way that slips into the genre of romance. The camera cuts from one face to another rather than showing both at once, allowing for a sense of seeing two different perspectives simultaneously. This is a pivotal point in the narrative, highlighting the complexity of the characters' relationship with each other.
Through these formal elements a certain relationship between the characters are signified. Richie and Margot's scenes are generally slow with a lack of dialogue, contain gestures that are shy and intimate and some interplay with musical elements, connoting a romantic aspect that confuses the stated relationship of brother and sister. Through these markers coming from the romantic genre an unspoken layer of their relationship is produced that would otherwise lie dormant in the understanding of the audience.
I think this was a great scene to choose from the movie because of the unusual romantic elements between siblings. I agree that the slowed movements, especially the shot of Margot dreamily walking toward Richie with Richie still in frame like you noted, emphasizes the intimacy of the shot. I feel like Nico’s “These Days” playing in the background relates to their relationship and goes very well with what’s going on in the scene.
ReplyDeleteI think that this is a good scene, too. Although I think that the scene where they meet inside the yellow tent also carries an interesting message. They are essentially sharing a space designed for really no more than one adult (and that might be a tight fit). They sit close together on the cot to talk and listen to records and then lie down with one another, sharing the tiny cot. It is as if the two individuals are trying to determine how they could possibly occupy the same space and actually be a couple both physically which mirrors the discussion that they are having about whether or not they could be a romantic couple.
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