comparisons

For this assignment, I chose two shots from the films "LA Confidential" and "Double Indemnity" that show the main characters and their partners. Since the upload function is disabled for now, I will put up links.
LA Confidential
Double Indemnity
In the shot from "LA Confidential," we see Bud White and Lynn Bracken first enter her private bedroom right before they have their kiss scene. Some notable characteristics of this shot include the shadows caused by the rays of sunlight coming from the windows giving the scene a very soft, quiet, calming character. The characters are in the shadows along with the majority of the setting. Only a small portion of the wall is lit up from the sunshine. Also, Bud White does not look like the typical police man in this shot. Rather, he looks more relaxed, comfortable, and casual. This is the polar opposite of who Bud White is in the rest of the movie. He is tender rather than violent and soft rather than harsh.

Similarly, in the shot from "Double Indemnity," we see Walter Neff and Phyllis Dietrichson at his apartment unit before their kiss as well. In contrast to the previous shot however, the two characters are illuminated and are in the dark shadows showing the stark difference. Phyllis almost seems to have a heavenly essence to her. She is looking up to Walter in a helpless manner which suggests the typical gender roles of this era. Walter provides her with stability (looking at his grip on her hand) as well as protection.

In both shots actually, the female characters are looking at the males with a sense of admiration & helplessness. Bud White & Walter Neff both offer the females with "a way out" and a solution to their lives.

shot analysis

This medium shot shows Anderton & the precog Agatha on the run. This shot effectively shows this by placing the two characters on the right sight of the screen which gives the impression that they are going somewhere in a hurry. Also, the background is lit brightly and the two characters are in dark clothing which seems to enhance their desire to stay hidden and safe. However, the stark contrast of the white setting brings Anderton & Agatha out even more. This mid-shot also shows Agatha in a glowing light which in a sense, emphasizes her ability to see the future and know more than anyone else. Anderton is holding her closely next to him in a way to suggest that he is protecting her. However, the determined look on his face and the aggressive manner of his grasp show how his intentions are not to protect Agatha for her sake but rather, his. Both characters have their eyes fixed ahead to a certain place or goal. This shot successfully executes its goal of showing Anderton & Agatha determined to keep going forward regardless of all other surrounding factors.

my favorite movie

One of my all-time favorite movies is the Italian film La vita è bella directed by Roberto Benigni. This movie never fails to move me. I love how the father's unfailing love for his wife and son shines through the grim and grotesque times of the Holocaust. Furthermore, I am always in awe of how well Benigni portrays the character Guido. Every time I watch this film, I fall in love with the character again and again. Although his tragic death is an emotional moment in the film, for me personally, the ultimate tear-jerker is the scene where his son valiantly rides the war tank with the American soldiers. Until the very end of the film, we are reminded of his father's love, wit, and promise to his son.

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