An Analysis of Micro Aspects of Film Aiding Meaning-Creation and Response in The Black Swan
To examine how micro aspects of film create meaning and response within a film extract.
Micro aspects of film are used to convey or amplify themes and tones within an extract of film, this helps to evoke a specific reaction from the audience as desired by the director. Darren Aronofsky's combination of mise-en-scene and sound in "The Black Swan" meld together to dramatically encapture the tension within this psychological thriller. The extract begins with the protagonist Nina hyperventilating against the diegetic music of the ballet, which is ongoing off-camera. The music is reminiscent of falling, this creates meaning as it mirrors Nina’s deteriorating mental state. Violins can be heard, suggesting an element of mourning, leading the audience to the understanding that the music foreshadows her death. As the music of the show becomes grand, (defined by the music resembling a full orchestra) there is the non diegetic sound of a female breathing, other than Nina, indicating an external force. This relates to the fantastic elements of the genre, and creates tension for the audience through the uncertainty of reality within the shot. This also marks the realization that the pure, stable side of Nina's personality is dominated by the Black Swan. Now on stage, the non diegetic sound of wings is evident. A connection is illustrated between the previously mentioned force and Nina through the sound of wind under wings as she moves her arms. This also depicts the further dominance of the black swan. The sound of breathing, not from Nina is unsettling for the audience, but creates meaning with the suggestion that she is controlled by the force, it is engulfing her. The music tempo quickens, reflecting the madness and transition of Nina, creating tension, panic. The pleonastic sound of every movement illustrates the power the black swan posses and signifies how Nina is slowly becoming the living embodiment of the black swan story. As Nina moves offstage the pleonastic sound
Micro aspects of film are used to convey or amplify themes and tones within an extract of film, this helps to evoke a specific reaction from the audience as desired by the director. Darren Aronofsky's combination of mise-en-scene and sound in "The Black Swan" meld together to dramatically encapture the tension within this psychological thriller. The extract begins with the protagonist Nina hyperventilating against the diegetic music of the ballet, which is ongoing off-camera. The music is reminiscent of falling, this creates meaning as it mirrors Nina’s deteriorating mental state. Violins can be heard, suggesting an element of mourning, leading the audience to the understanding that the music foreshadows her death. As the music of the show becomes grand, (defined by the music resembling a full orchestra) there is the non diegetic sound of a female breathing, other than Nina, indicating an external force. This relates to the fantastic elements of the genre, and creates tension for the audience through the uncertainty of reality within the shot. This also marks the realization that the pure, stable side of Nina's personality is dominated by the Black Swan. Now on stage, the non diegetic sound of wings is evident. A connection is illustrated between the previously mentioned force and Nina through the sound of wind under wings as she moves her arms. This also depicts the further dominance of the black swan. The sound of breathing, not from Nina is unsettling for the audience, but creates meaning with the suggestion that she is controlled by the force, it is engulfing her. The music tempo quickens, reflecting the madness and transition of Nina, creating tension, panic. The pleonastic sound of every movement illustrates the power the black swan posses and signifies how Nina is slowly becoming the living embodiment of the black swan story. As Nina moves offstage the pleonastic sound