Monday, November 7, 2011

blog 7

http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=dPNPQoIuRxw


The theme of the whole movie Johnson Family Reunion, as implied in the title, is caring about family.  Without a doubt, while humor may skew slightly mature at times, there is strong emphasis on the power of a respectable, devout family.  From start to finish, the scene goes from father son bonding, to sacrificing for family, to defusing tension, and finally cleaning up for “mom”.  The main binding force in the family, the father, is flung briefly through all antagonistic characteristics of his family.  Despite the flaws he manages to maintain his family, which he ultimately only cares about.  While this scene shows the theme as only slightly didactic, even possibly more passive, the movie is largely didactic.   







Like much of the movie, the scene has very minimal visual themes.  The emphasis is on unity as would be suggested by the visuals.  Most of the shots contain lines that show obvious affinity.  Rhythm and movement are easily distinguishable, and their intent is obvious.  Since most of the shots consist of close ups and medium shots, there is little shown on screen.  This is intended, as there is nothing to distract from the primary movement on screen. 
         Throughout the shots the only actual lines on the screen are the horizontal and vertical lines of the house and yard.  While humans are mostly curved lines, the clothes of the mom and dad were strictly linear.  These align nicely with the minimal background lines, pushing the feeling of unity.  The only virtual lines on screen are the actors addressing each other.  Again emphasizing importance on family.  The daughter, while in the family, is being portrayed antagonistically.  Her lines are very curved, in stark contrast to the rest of the scene.  Both her clothes and motion is in opposition of that already established.
         With motion in the scene very rigid, the daughter’s speed and quality is quickly noticeable.   She is constantly moving in very curved, rhythmic patterns.  Much of her actions feel wrong and out of place, as is intended.  Her speed is much faster than her parents, which also shows youth.  Tertiary movements only show emphasis on the Johnsons.  At no point does camera movement or cutting imply importance on anything outside of their vacation and being together.   Space is kept minimal as well as to not detract attention.  

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