Essay (COG and DBATB)

With close reference to the films you studied, explore how either editing , cinematography or sound create meaning. (40)

Cinematography is the term used to describe camera work and editing in films. In Both City of God and Diving Bell and the Butterfly cinematography is used to create meaning.

In The Diving Bell and the Butterfly the cinematography in the shaving scene in Papinou's apartment contributes to the meaning in the film. The scene takes place before Jean Do's accident. The camera in the scene is hand held to follow his frantic movements whilst shaving his father. His rapid movement and eagerness to get the job done fast shows his fast paced life and doesn't have quality time with his father. This is juxtaposed with the following scene on the beach as the camera is static and everything moves apart from Jean Do. This portrays his changing lifestyle as he lived a chaotic and face paced life compared to after his accident where he becomes immobile which is represented through the static camera. The juxtaposition is used to drastically compare the two stages of his life. By placing these scenes next to each other it heightens the effect of his paralysis.

The fantasy sequence also contributes to the meaning of the film through the use of cinematography. The sequence starts with close up shots to focus upon the butterfly which shows us the origin of his imagination. The sequence then progresses to show the wider and mid shots which shows how his imagination and memories expand. This represents his imagination expanding and him reminiscing on past memories before his accident. The fantasy sequence ends with a montage of photos from Jean Do's life edited in reverse chronology. This is used to evoke emotion as it heightens are sense of sympathy. The fact that it shows him during his childhood shows that it could happen to anyone. It shows a regular child having fun and unknowing of what would happen. An unremarkable person has as remarkable illness that he didn't know was going to happen.

In City of God cinematography is also used to create meaning. The use of the static camera in the apartment sequence shows us as spectators that we are just observing the transition of the apartment and are not involved in the action. The fade through to each different scene shows the passing of time so we understand that the apartment evolves over the time of 7-8 years. The lighting throughout the sequence also reflects what is happening in the favela at the time and the mood of city. At the start of the sequence the lighting and tone of the room is warm and bright. This reflects the favela under the dominance of the tender trio as their crimes benefited the poor in the slum and the regime allowed normal civilians to carry on living without being disrupted by the crimes. By Lil Ze's arrival the lighting changes to cold and grey colours which reflects the mood of the favela under his control. The lack of light when carrot kills his friend in the apartment reflects the fact that the new drug business he has joined overshadows and overpowers his friendships. The light also shows the development of the buildings in the favela. The favela progresses from small shacks and houses under the tender trio to large apartment buildings that tower over the smaller ones in the new favela. They block out the light towards the end of the sequence. The sequence also reflects the whole transition of the favela throughout the film in a couple of short minutes. It represents the entire development and generational decline throughout the film.