2ND ESSAY:
In the film ‘The Power of One’, the director has used high and low angle shots in various scenes. In the ‘hang him up’ scene, high and low angle shots are used effectively. High angle shots show power and authority, whereas low angle shots are used to show weakness. This shows us as an audience the different levels of power that each character has. For example, one of the characters, Bootha, is often filmed using low angle shots. This is to show us the power he has. Low angle shots are used often when the main character, PK, is facing Bootha to show he is small and weak in Bootha’s presence. The director has done this to help us understand the power each character has over one another and how in different situations that power can change. This worked with facial expressions to show how the characters feel about one another. Bootha feels he has authority over PK and this is well shown using the two film aspects/techniques. This is used in a similar way in the story David and Goliath. Power is shown by height and mass. Meaning if you are larger than another you have power over them. This does not always turn out to be true though, as shown in the story of David and Goliath.
Facial expressions and body language play a big role in movies. In one scene facial expressions were key in helping us realise that there was a different meaning to the words spoken. It showed us to read between the lines. They show the audience emotions and help us to realize when there are words left unspoken. The director has done this to show us how horrible the prisons were. He shows that any happiness was to be secret. Dialogue and facial expressions work really well together. For example, in one of the prison scenes a man asks PK if he could have the tobacco from his bucket. PK responds with the words ‘my bucket will need cleaning each day’. His facial expression shows that these words have secret meaning. This is similar to when the Jews were put in concentration camp. Many things were left unsaid. Because they wanted to stay safe, they used facial expressions and body language to communicate with one another.
Symbolism is a big aspect in the film ‘The Power of One’ as it is used often. One thing symbolism is used for is to show the love associated with an ostrich shell bracelet. It is passed down from one person to another. It was given as a gift to PK’s mother from his father. It was given as a gift when PK’s parents first fell in love. Before PK gave it to his love ‘Maria’. This shows us as an audience the power of their love. It helps us to understand the feelings and emotions involved in each relationship. This works well with lighting, the faces of the characters light up when they see one another. The bracelet was used much like a wedding ring to show they planned to be together as long as possible.
1ST ESSAY:
In the movie ‘The Power of One’ the Director uses many different film techniques to show meaning. The director uses things such as props, as symbols. In this essay I will be explaining how some of the objects in the film are important when it comes to showing meaning. I will be discussing one of the key objects in the film and how it was cleverly used to symbolise something different. I will also be discussing how different camera shots and angles were used to help show the meaning behind the important object. One of the key objects in the film is an ostrich shell bracelet.
1SEXXXY
Symbolism is used often to show meaning throughout the film. For example, in the film there is a bracelet made of ostrich egg shell. This is used to symbolise love throughout the movie. It is used to show the audience how strong the love between the characters really is. PK is one of the main characters in the film. The bracelet was passed down through his family. From his Father to his Mother, from his Mother to him, before he gave it away to the girl he felt deep love for. The director has done this to help us understand the love that is shown throughout the film. He has shown love by using symbols and actions to backup the words of love the characters speak. This is similar to when we get married. Love is shown by a ring and actions to backup the words. In the movie this is the same only a bracelet is used instead of a ring.
2SEXXXY
Different camera shots and angles have been used in the film. For example many shots where the ostrich shell bracelet have been shown have been close up. This is to show the detail of the bracelet and it shows us the importance it has. This is done by using close ups of PK’s hands to show the care in which he takes when handling it. Doing this show the audience that it is treasured by PK, that it is of great meaning and significance to him. The director has done this to show the emotions that PK feels when he is with Maria. Even though we can not see PK’s face we can see by the care he takes when handling the bracelet. This shows us that he cares for Maria as he puts his trust in her that she will keep it safe. This is similar to when film directors use close ups of characters faces. In both cases it is used to show emotion and meaning.
3SEXXXY
The bracelet ties well into the movie. This is because it has significant cultural meaning. It is made from the shell of an ostrich egg, an animal well known in Africa. This shows great meaning. For example, it is used for love which is a perfect meaning considering the material in which it is made. An ostrich egg is used to carry young while it grows. It being made from an egg is great because the egg shows new life. When the bracelet was given from PK’s Father to his Mother it showed that he loves her and he wanted to create new life with her. The egg shell bracelet being used as a symbol is great because it shows these things. The director used a bracelet made of egg shell to show that the love felt in the movie was not a one off kind of love, but that it was a true, pure and life long love that could not be broken. This showed the audience that the love was true and it showed the emotions the characters felt for one another. Including how strong they were. Just as an egg symbolises new life in many cultures, the Cross and Easter are significant symbols of life when it comes to Christianity.