How far does the impact of the films you have studied for this topic depend on distinctive uses of film techniques?
In the second half of the film officer 633 is shown drinking a cup of black coffee in smudge notion. He moves in un-edited slow motion whilst the world around him is sped up dramatically. This effect shows the large importance of time within the film. It suggests that 633 is stuck in the past and does not want to change; with contextual knowledge it is possible to link 663's actions to the fact that at the time the movie was filmed Hong Kong was in nearing to its handover from British rule to Chinese.
Westernisation is evident within the film as in many of the shots there are McDonald's logos and the fact that the Midnight Express, the main focal point of the film, serves no real Chinese food. The menu includes such items as fish and chips, pizza and chef's salad.
Time is clearly seen throughout the entire film and is considered the main factor. Shots of a digital clock are frequent and and in the first story the cans of pineapples are date marked to further solidify the idea of time passing but things staying the same.
The impact of this film is only effective if the audience are aware of the social context at the time but can also make them think of changes in their own lives such as past relationships.
No comments:
Post a Comment