Friday, March 9, 2012

Scene Deconstruction

This movie is rather vague in terms of theme. Many argue there isn't one, some beg to differ, others could care less. I personally don't see one main theme but several 'mini' themes throughout the movie. This particular scene has a dramatic contrast between one of the most beautiful scenes in the movie, and one of the most gruesome. Which incidentally all happens within these 3 minutes. The major theme I get from this scene that roughly relates to the rest of the movie is when you are fighting against corruption there is only a thin line between you and them. Then again you can't go wrong when beating up thug gangsters, or when you're Ryan Gosling. Whatever theme there is, it is most definitely didactic, and if it's active I must be blind because I had a hard time finding it.

This scene, like the movie, is short on words. All of the actions express any and all emotion you could ever need from a movie like this. 'Driver' as he is called, pushes Irene against the wall and kisses her romantically knowing this may be the last time he sees her. Their bodies line up perfectly so the kiss is right on the left vertical third of the screen. The posture of their bodies creates a vertical rhythm with the also vertical light behind them. Seconds later, and the appropriately named driver, Driver is engaged in a very one sided fight against the gangster thug in the elevator. After bashing the thug's skull in Driver turns around and sees Irene standing outside of the elevator horrified. The space in between Driver and Irene at this point makes for a very dramatic shot. You can tell that he is embarrassed for losing his sanity in front of some one special to him, and that she is mortified from seeing such animosity from such a caring person. There is a sudden contrast between affection and animosity.

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