In Cold Blood

Director and screenwriter Richard Brooks influences the viewers of In Cold Blood, to think not only certain things about the murder and murderers in the plot, which is based on a true story and nonfiction novel, but also tries to shape viewers' ideas about certain social issues. In particular, sex becomes a theme throughout the movie and given how particular characters respond to sex, shapes the viewers' sense of the character. Sex through Perry's eyes, is seen as a horrific, violent action. While the viewer gets a glimpse into why Perry is so opposed to sex and why perhaps he's so troubled, ultimately the viewer ends up with less sympathy towards Perry, seeing Perry almost replace his sexual drive with violence and murder. Towards the middle …show more content…
Perry's face, both as a child and an adult, is lit well. This allows the viewer not only to see the horrified expression on Perry's face, but also to connect that it's the same expression on his face as a kid experiencing the moment, as well as an adult remembering the experience. His mother's face is lit pretty well too although when she lies down with the man, the scene becomes extremely dark. This lighting and shot intercuts, show the universal good versus evil, light versus dark, argument, but it also touches on the nature of sex. The sexual acts in the scene are darkly lit or not seen at all. This shows sex as something to be hidden and not seen. It's weird how in both instances, both as a child, and as an adult, Perry is in the room with two people who are involved in sexual activity but yet, he doesn't actually see them doing it. When his father is beating his mother, he focuses his attention on his father, and not his mother who has just been involved with sex. Not only does this show Perry's disinterest in sex, or adverse feelings towards sex but also show his interest in violence. Throughout the film, Perry's most interesting relationships are with the men in his life. Watching his father use violence against his wife seems to enforce to Perry that violence is an okay response to …show more content…
In the hallway, Perry's face is brightly lit. In contrast, Dick's face in Nancy's room is a silhouette. In order to stop Dick, Perry turns his flashlight on Dick and Nancy before pulling him off. Again this connection between dark and light, symbolizing good and bad helps the viewer to understand that Perry is the one who is extremely against this sexual act. Based on the lighting, Perry seems like a good guy who knows right from wrong. However, the forcefulness that Perry uses to pull Dick off of Nancy is reminiscent of the way his father pulled the man off of his wife. This connection, shows Perry's negativity towards sex in general and not just