Exploring Film Techniques

“Bunny” is a short animation that depicts the transformation of the earthly body to the celestial form as the protagonist transitions into the afterlife. The moth symbolizes the guide, and we get this perception because of the different techniques used to portray the moth. The moth has a musical theme that has a driving and whimsical rhythm, giving the viewer an association of mischief with the insect. The shots portray the moth interfering with the bunny who is hard at work. The viewer resonates with the bunny’s reaction that the moth is an annoyance because the bunny is often in the side of the frame, with an open space for the moth to appear. The viewer expects that the moth will enter the frame to fill that space, yet when it does, the viewer still gets the sense that the moth is an unwelcome presence because of the bunny’s reaction as well as the presumed stupidity of the moth. The moment of truth happens when the bunny enters the oven and the moth’s spiritual significance is revealed. There is a tangible change of heart depicted in the tiniest blip of a shot as the bunny perceives the moth as a helper for the first time. The change in music from the moth’s mischievous theme to a sobering and mystical ambient sound establishes the moth’s presence as divine.

The brief exchange between the mother and son in “Harold and Maude” showcases what nearly imperceptible, rich meaning can be packaged within such slight techniques. The positioning of Harold in the foreground shows the emphasis on his attempt at autonomy, yet Maude’s presence in the background reinforces the feeling that mother is always watching, even when Harold is not aware. Through microscopic movements, Maude is established as the sole bearer of power in a clearly disproportionate and complex relationship. Maude’s way of looking him over is an expression of harsh judgement, and her choice to preemptively grill him in the face before he turns to make eye contact gives the audience the eerie feeling that her power over him is such that she could summon him at will. Maude’s position next to the window shows that Harold’s view of the world is limited by what Maude filters and allows him to access.

“Paris Texas” is a masterpiece with striking symbolism and excellent execution of cinematographic technique. With masterful intentionality, the phone booth exchange between the husband and wife portrays one of the most fundamental conflicts between humans- miscommunication. The fascinating symbol of the phone and the barrier between them represent the tools required to transcend the emotional and physical barriers that have obliterated their ability to trust and talk to each other unmediated. One powerful juxtaposition is how the greatest moment of confession and clarity occurs through a system that often represents communication that is less than ideal. People talk on the phone because they want to communicate but are too far away to hear each other. Yet in this scene the woman and the man sit mere feet apart. On the surface, it does not make sense that two people in the same room would use a phone to communicate. They would have a better chance at understanding each other without the symbol. However, the use of the phone symbolizes their desperation and the emotional distance between the man and wife. Despite the fact that they sit in the room, the conflict that has built between them is such that they might as well be a hundred miles apart, forced to use the phone due to the physical distance. The use of lighting and angling of the shot when the husband speaks are used to express the shame involved in repentance. The man cannot face her, so we see the husband in the foreground as he shares his story. The situation is reversed as the woman speaks. The viewer can associate a religious rite with this exchange due to the similar function and setup of a confession booth. The listener sitting in darkness is like a booth that allows the confession to occur in a way that the religious official does not recognize the confessor and they are not too ashamed to share. The confession booth enables reconciliation of the sinner and God, healing, and forgiveness. Similarly, the wife and husband return to a renewed understanding and state of connection after having shared their perspective and shortcomings.