Note: the film does not start with any kind of title sequence - instead the titles are shown at the end of the film and it simply starts with the introduction to the film straight away. I feel that this keeps us concentrating on the story-line and all of the information communicated to us, rather than other information such as the film's title or the actor's names. I think this is a very good way of keeping the audience's focus on the film, I also think it's quite different from the common conventions of film making (having a title sequence included in the introduction), in other words the film-makers have been thinking "outside of the box" when deciding on the introduction to this film.
1. The film starts with the sound of many differently pitched voices all creating a soft, low hum together - a very warm welcome into the film for the audience member. The main character, Pat, then begins an opening monologue, starting with "What? Are you kidding me? Sundays, I love Sundays..." This is all happening while the TWC logo is shown and text fades in/out onscreen telling us where this monologue is taking place (Karel Psychiatric Facility, Baltimore). This is all a very soft and warm welcome to the film as everything gently eases into the film - the music, logos and text - this means the audience member can slowly 'sink' into the film's plot.
2. A mid shot from behind Pat fades into view - this is slowly pushing in on his back. This gives a sense of mystery to the character, and makes the viewer pay more attention to the monologue as they can now relate the monologue to a character. He is then rushed to get ready by someone outside the room he is standing in - we assume this is a member of staff belonging to the hospital.
3. There are a few quick shots of the room Pat is standing in - it is his bedroom. The room is quite bare, with what seems to be only essential items... Which is what we would expect of a hospital.
4. What follows is a short montage of shots depicting (what we assume is) everyday life for people in the facility. Pat collects his medication, but promptly spits it onto the floor showing that he doesn't like taking it for whatever reason. This creates enigmas: maybe he is rebelling? Is he there by choice/does he want to be there? During all of this a musical score with a slow tempo plays out - this adds a 'third layer' to the scene (instead of just video and dialogue, we also have the music playing now).
5. Pat joins a group therapy session, then does some outdoor exercise. He is dressed in casual clothes instead of something the hospital may supply him with (something you may find if he was in intense care) so we have an idea that his condition cannot be too serious, he may even get out by the end of the film?
6. Pat's mother, Dolores, is then introduced with a shot of the sun behind her head - the sun maybe symbolising good/innocence? There is then a tracking shot as Pat, Dolores and a hospital worker talk about taking Pat out of the hospital. This shot keeps the dialogue and film more fluid and moving quickly, as us viewers generally don't want to sit and listen to a lot of legal issues connected with taking Pat out. As soon as Dolores is introduced the slow tempo'd music picks up a little and makes the scene a little more upbeat, ready for the more comedic parts of the film to become apparent.
7. There are some extreme close ups of legal documents allowing Pat to leave the institute and the necessary people sign the papers at the bottom. This informs us that Pat is leaving the hospital with his mother that day, even though the member of staff stated that they'd prefer him to stay a little longer. This creates more enigmas for us: Will his issues become a problem in the real world? Does he have a life outside the facility waiting for him?
8. As Pat climbs into the car, they move down the car park and Pat asks if they can "Give Danny a ride to North Philly" This is quite comical as Danny is already waiting for them in the car park so he's not really asking if it's OK... He is stating that, that is what they are doing... This helps create the genre that the rest of the film is - Romantic comedy.
9. The following scene takes place in the car on the way home - Danny and Pat are talking over each other about being in the facility and Dolores is listening politely while also keeping her attention firmly placed on the road. This whole situation is quite comical because it looks like Dolores is so fixated on the road that she is almost ignoring them - maybe she is? She then gets a call from the institute telling her that Danny isn't actually allowed to leave. As she tries to pull over, Pat grabs the steering wheel and pushes it back over so they start to move back onto the motorway - this is extremely dangerous as there is a car in the way. This dangerous situation is also quite comical because it is so outrageous and it is over something really small.
No comments:
Post a Comment