Cinematography: Raging Bull (1980)

We were given a task to analyse a film called Raging Bull directed by Martin Scorsese. The main protagonist as we know, is Robert De Niro who played Jake LaMotta, an Italian American boxer. He possesses negative traits that conclude him as a self-loathing person full of pure hatred and jealousy. He's been known as a bitter person with his constant obsessive rage. This film has won an Oscar for best actor as well as best film acting. 

                                   

Cerdan Fight

A long tracking shot was employed throughout Jake's entire journey to the ring. Eye level angle with a medium shot is also used. The whole purpose of this was to show his pace and progression which made us viewers feel as though we are a part of this, resulting in a deep connection. From here we can see how much of a confident and cocky person Jake actually is, he was practically oozing with confidence, overflowing at the seams. Despite that, he had a great support system around him whom all ushered him to the ring, giving out encouraging looks and cheers. The camera was in deep focus because the attention was not just focused on Jake but the background, settings and figures as well. The audience were obviously intently engaged in the outcome of the fight. 

As he was going up the entrance to the ring, a telephoto lens is used. This enables the process of zooming in and out easier to be made, so separation between Jake and the audience can be seen clearly. Selective focus with medium close up shot is used to divert the attention solely on Jake intensely determined to take down his opponent with all of his willpower. Panning is used when the referee pointed to Jake, introducing him - to show the connection between them both as at the end of the day, the referee will always be the one who decides the true winner. There was also a short medium close up of Jake's wife sitting in the audience - to acknowledge her existence and deep connection with Jake. Her facial expression was however practically unreadable. I mean if it was up to me, I'd say she seemed a bit unsure somehow. 

The fight is now ongoing with low angle and close up shots mostly used. Intensity is enunciated from this point of view, it's almost as though you can feel the vigorous punches and hits, right in the core. The close ups suggest the level of tension increasing - with both parties breathing deeply, drenched in sweat as the opponent announced he was too exhausted to even continue the fight. The high angle shot used evidently portrayed the weakness of the competitor, making him seem smaller than his actual size. 

At the end of the fight, a canted angle is shot to depict Jake's facial expression and details. The fight obviously wore him out and he used up all of his energy. The opponent slumped down, injured and tired with his head down - a sign of defeat. The referee walked up to Jake, probably to tell him he has won. This illustrated the extreme nervousness and tension is raised incredibly, leading to his winning moment. 

With all of that ending, a tilt shot is then used to show the championship belt on Jake's waist up to his face that basically radiated happiness, with his arms up, kissing his boxing gloves - a sign of victory. The audience went insane cheering for him, cameras flashing as they all empathise with him - proud and ecstatic at the same time. The significance of the belt and winning in general is exaggerated too - which interprets how crucial winning, victory and success is for Jake. Various types of angles are used such as eye, low and warm's eye angle. This exaggerates his shining, glory moment and we see him being represented as a dominant, powerful character in a much more superior and almost intimidating position. The light continues to shine upon him as his fame arises exceptionally.

Mise en Scene: Metropolis (1927)

Metropolis, Fritz Lang (1927)

Metropolis is a 1927 German science fiction movie directed by Fritz Lang. What I find absolutely fascinating about this movie is the fact that some portions of it were lost throughout the years and futile attempts were made to restore it entirely, resulting in different versions of the movie itself. I watched a version where the graphics were tinted with blue and white or red and white colour themes rather than just black and white, as well as another one with a horrible choice of score - nevertheless, still interesting to watch. Metropolis is set in a futuristic urban dystopia, complete with the portrayal of flying cars and advanced technology development like robots or Machine Human. The cost of the movie was approximately five million, which at that time, made it the most expensive film ever released. It had a simple cinematography and I have to admit, the storyline caught my attention.

In the first location it illustrated the City of The Workers. In this scene the workers of the factory were walking in groups in an organised and orderly fashion. They had their heads down almost the entire time with shoulders slumped as if too exhausted and disoriented to do any work. The setting was gloomy and the music being played fit in well - almost too depressing if I may add. In one section, the workers were each confined in a small space as if they were trapped which could also represent their unwillingness to work under pressure by the upper class citizens. This is the starting point of the prospect that something horrible will definitely happen.

On the contrary, in the second location, there was a complete change of scenery and mood. Clearly shown, was a couple of the upper class - both dressed properly and showered in luxuries. Both parties were frolicking around a fountain in the Eternal Gardens of Pleasure. There were pretty flowers and the frame was shot with greater space compared to the first location - this probably represents the true meaning of freedom they both possess. The colours used were also far brighter with hints of gold / yellow tones constantly associated with happiness.

From this scene, they indirectly introduced the main protagonists which were John Freder, the son of Master of Metropolis and the daughter of one of the workers which I later found out, is named Maria. She barged in with a huge group of children, with a sole purpose to point out to them the tremendous differences between the privileged and the working class, only to find herself interrupting Freder. She then was hurriedly ushered away. Freder found himself in a state of awe and astonishment, leading him to chase Maria all the way into the workers' city. This is where two different worlds collide and individuals of different statuses intertwine resulting in a beautiful yet tragic love story.

Unfortunately from here, it all went downhill. He arrived exactly in time for a horrible explosion to take place causing the workers to be badly injured. During this experience, Freder sat in shock - literally gobsmacked by the mishap happening in front of him. Following the catastrophe, the atmosphere had a complete 360 degree turnover intact with colour and graphic changes. The operational machine turned into something monster-like, a horrendous creature with its mouth wide open. Egyptian slaves were being carried into it, as if being eaten up alive - followed by the workers - again walking in huge groups in a formal, systematical manner, up the stairs to enter of what could have been a portal or some sort of secret passage. This may or may not have been Freder's hallucination but either way, it depicts the ideology of capitalism where the ruling class will always have the overbearing power over a lower class of underground-dwelling workers. This could also relate with the perpetual act of slavery and forced labour where the unprivileged suffice to jobs that are apparently only up to their levels/standards. 

To sum up, the movie was utterly a great experience. I enjoy venturing into the divergence of movies where important messages are often offered and conveyed. Overall I would say it was a movie that explored every aspect of emotions. I highly recommend it if you're a hardcore sci-fi fan, or even if you're not! This would surprise you in so many ways as without this iconic movie, we probably will not get most of the successful movies today.

Brighton Pier

Brighton Pier at its finest