The Imagery of the House in Remains of the Day Friday, Aug 22 2008 

Drama and Focused Essay and Period Piece and Symbolism Analysis nwbartel 5:18 pm

Remains of the Day is a brilliantly acted movie dealing principally with themes of regret, lost opportunity, and unconsummated love. The movie takes place almost entirely within the confines of the house, which comes to represent the aristocratic way of life – and its decline. Interestingly, in this film we see the aristocratic way of life from the point of view of James Stevens, the butler, who is as much as part of that life as the aristocrats themselves. The decline of the aristocrats is also the decline of the servants way of life.

So strong is the connection between Mr. Stevens and the house that is comes to symbolize him just as much, if not more, than Lord Darlington. The office of butler was evidently a high and respected one. He oversaw all the practical matters of running the household, including hiring, firing and supervising the rest of the servant staff. As such, he was acquainted with the smallest details of the house, as seen when he corrected his staff about the placement of decorative objects in the various rooms, or when he is seen training a younger servant in the exact arrangement of a dinner service. His connection with the house is emphasized more as we see him move in and out of the servant passageways, at one point startling his master with his sudden appearance. He knows the house intimately, and as its manager, the house cannot but reflect some of the butlers character. (more…)

 

Thoughts on Bella Friday, Aug 22 2008 

Drama and General Thoughts and Symbolism Analysis nwbartel 1:27 am

Bella is the kind of movie that grows on you. My initial impression was that the movie was ‘nice.’ There was something persistent in it, though, that kept the scenes running through my head. The more they did, the deeper my appreciation for the film grew. This film is composed of visually rich scenes and compelling vignettes which become all the more meaningful when contrasted with each other.

Nina, the central character in the film, just got a positive result from a pregnancy test. In her distress, she arrives late to work, for which she is fired. Jose, the chef (and brother of the owner), walks out the restaurant and the film portrays their day together.

For a movie dealing with abortion, arguably the single most politicized and contentious issue dividing the country, the film shows remarkable restraint and subtlety. While I don’t want to get into the issue of abortion per se, I will say that I greatly appreciated the fact that the film examined the issue artistically. That is, there is no sermonizing, lecturing, debating or moralizing in this movie. Rather, themes emerge through gentle conversation and imagery. (more…)

 

Visual Storytelling: High Noon Friday, Aug 22 2008 

Focused Essay and Narrative Analysis and Symbolism Analysis and Western nwbartel 1:25 am

High Noon did not became a classic Western flick because it exemplifies the conventions of Western movies. Indeed, the constant action, horse chases, stage coach heists, bar room brawls and expansive scenery expected in a Western film are conspicuously absent from the tightly reigned action in this movie. The suspense, however, is all the greater for building below the surface.

The opening scenes beautifully introduce the tone of the entire film. We see three men meet up in the country side. Initially, it is reasonable assumption that these are the “good guys.” (This is a Western, after all, and though it breaks other conventions, there are still “good guys” and “bad guys.”) As this extended sequence progresses, without one line of dialog, we notice various elements of their characters which call into question what side these men are on. Their clothes are torn and dirty, they are not groomed well, and their manners are somewhat coarse. By the time we see them riding together, it is clear they have some definite purpose, and we suspect that it is a sinister one. (more…)