Analyze of “ Edward Scissorhands”

Go check this link, it will help you to analyze as well the scene:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1DG6f_6nZ8

Range of tonalities/Use of color:

The scene is very dark and the filmmaker controls the image's range of tones and shades very precisely. As it is an old movie with different methods than nowadays, the light is used through another manner but creates this old environment that the audience wants to find. The contrast is obvious in this scene in order to describe an emotionally expressive quality which directs the audience toward a suspicious and fear emotions. We could say that we are, most of the scene, in a balance of blacks, whites and grays with limited palette of color. Hence, this scene use a low-contrast.

Exposure:

The filmmaker underexposed this scene to keep the audience into a specific environment. Moreover, the low-key lighting is kept over the scene with an unbalance exposure that allows to be immersed along the scene. Finally, it is obvious that the filmmaker chooses to use a filter in order to create this effect to reduce certain frequencies of light. In fact, we are watching a scene which must be during night time but we can perceive some bright light which reflect on the characters. Here, we have the technique called “ day for night “, which uses blue filter in sunlight in order to create this effect.

Speed of emotion :

First of all, since this movie is an old artwork it may be made in 24 frames per second. The action and the speed of the movie is neither fast-motion nor slow-motion , in fact it is made through a normal human speed. However, the scene begin with few movements of the camera, we are focus on the characters but when the fight starts it is true that the motion of the action is faster and create this excitement, fear and suspense.

Framing and its relationship to aspect ratio :

The aspect ratio of this movie is 1:33:1 ( original/open matte) and 1:85:1. That is means that the first ratio ( 1:33:1) is one settled by Lumière, Thomas Edison and other early film inventors where the soundtrack didn't have a large space. However, the aspect ratio has been improved in order to allow the new audience to watch this old movie properly. The widescreen is created by masking method, also called hard-matte, which means that the filmmaker mask the expectations of the audience.

Use of offscreen space :

The offscreen space is used multiple times in this scene in order to grab the attention of the audience by making their senses of shapes and patterns work. For example, while the fight is occurring some parts of the frame is masked such as the moment where we see Edward lying on the floor and only the calves and feet of Jim. Here, the audience knows that it is Jim but we don't see him entirely. Moreover, some parts are cut up I order to be focus only on one interested elements, most of the time it is close-up on the characters's faces. Sometimes the camera is behind Jim but we are aware of what it is occurring around the camera.

The filmmaker gives us the effect of fear and suspense. All the elements are gathered in order to make us worried about Edward and what will happen. Hence, the suspense and fear are two emotions created by the scene.

Let me know about your experiences and opinions of this scene and which kind of emotions, or connection between the image and the narrative you may analyze. I will be very interested to see your comments.

By the way, love this movie ! I will recommend it !