Blog Post #3

A scene from Darren Aronofsky’s Requiem From a Dream (2000) serves as a perfect example of how montage editing may emphasize/convey a characters mood though a variety of mixed shots. The scene opens on a close up point of view shot of a photograph (one of Marion and Harry); the photo is then quickly flipped (still in the CU POV frame) to reveal a number on the back. Then another quick cut is made to a close up shot of Marion, her eyes fall on the top horizontal third of the frame. We hear her dialing, and then she holds the phone up to her ear. We stay in Marion’s close up shot up until someone picks up on the receiving end, she hangs up—a moment after there’s a jump cut to an establishing shot—taken at a high angle corner long shot, reveling that she’s in the bathroom, which is slightly disorienting and haunting since establishing shots are typically done in the beginning of the scene. Further more, this high angled long shot lets the viewer get a better sense of the space, a small and claustrophobia inducing one at that. The green/purple hues create a cool color tone, which also helps to create a cold and anxiety producing effect. In addition to the white balance the music, Marion’s facial expression, and the private space itself (that being a bathroom) all serve to emphasize and help define the characters emotional state and current situation—one of discomfort, anxiety, fear and uncertainty.