American Film: Comparative Analysis
Messages & Values
Here are some student notes that you may find useful if answering a question on the messages and values of the topic.
For genre and narrative answers more reference to scene details (cinematography/mise-en-scene/sound etc) would need to be included.
*Notes must always be expanded upon, compared and contrasted and put into the context of exam question*
BADLANDS (1973)
Characters
-
When we first see Kit and Holly together, Kit is in the
shadow, whilst Holly is in the light. This gives us an idea of what their
contrasting characters are like. Holly is essentially innocent, while Kit is
dangerous.
- Kit and Holly seem to be in a very cold and passionless
relationship, unlike Mickey and Mallory. Since they are so cold, it’s easier
for them to kill. They are trapped and separated from society, and this could
explain their cold personalities. Holly is seen wearing blue, reflecting her
cold nature.
- The couple also show animalistic behaviours, and they are
often shown with or near animals.
- Kit and Holly don’t really seem to have a particular
purpose or goal. They never really decide where they want to go whilst they are
in the desert, and Kit decides towards the end that he doesn’t care which
direction he goes in. This is probably due to his rebellious nature, which is a
common convention if the male roles in the lovers on the lam genre.
- The camera often shows Kit and Holly in a 2 shot when the
couple are particularly close. The camera separates them when there is a sense
of conflict between them.
Holly:
- Holly is a cold and naive character.
- Holly narrates the film. Both of these characters and many
characters in the Lovers on the lam genre are egotistic, and feel the need to
record their impact on the world, and consequently be remembered.
- The voiceover also gives a fantasy element to the film, and
provides back story and important narrative information.
- A sign near Holly says “Bait”. This is pre-emptive. Of what
will happen in the rest of the film. It says a lot about the narrative, and
implies that she will be taken away from her mediocre life. (which she is)
- Holly is always behind Kit in the film. She is quite a
subdued and introverted character, and this is probably why she is constantly
positioned this way. Mallory, in comparison, is a very extraverted character,
and is very active and animated.
- Holly, whilst shy, is a very cold and uncaring character.
She doesn’t react to her dog’s or her father’s death, and seems unaware of the
true consequences of murdering people. Whilst she is in love with Kit, she is
still quite cold and shy around him. This is unlike Mallory, who is outgoing
and very romantic with Mickey.
- Holly has no major motivation at the beginning of the film.
We don’t get much of an idea of what she wants to achieve, as she never
mentions as what she wants to do in the future. She seems to show no sign that
she wants any sort of American Dream. This is probably why she seems so cold
and unaffected by the deaths of so many people. Mallory is more forward
thinking, and is much more animated than Holly.
- While she is sitting in the garden, the words behind Holly
say “Bait”, suggesting that she will be bait for Kit. It is due to kit meeting
Holly that he starts killing. It also reflects her character, and though she
appears innocent, she is also Jail Bait.
- Holly comments on the tree being swept away by the river.
This can be paralleled to Kit and Holly. Kit as the river, and Holly as the
tree.
- Kit and Holly show no remorse for their killings, they are
not afraid to murder again. They are both cold and uncaring characters. Kit
does however, regret killing his best friend.
- Holly doesn’t really seem to understand the impact of
murder. When Kit shoots the people in the barn, she stands away. She doesn’t
embrace the fact that people have died, and remains unsympathetic.
Kit:
- Kit is in a dirty job (A garbage man), like Mickey. This
job gives the audience expectations about his character. He is trailer trash,
unlike Holly, who is first presented to us as essentially innocent.
- Kit feels the need to record his achievements throughout
the film. He constantly records his thoughts through a Dictaphone, and his
thoughts always relate back to himself. Close to being caught, he builds a
small monument, purely to be remembered.
- Kit has a lack of identity. He constantly tries to take on
other roles, such as that of a murderer and pop culture figures, particularly
James Dean. Towards the end of the film, he strikes the famous “Crucifix Pose”
that was well associated with James Dean. This is a common convention of the
lovers on the lam genre, and media influence is key theme in Natural Born
Killers.
- Kit is shown to lead a cow to slaughter early on in the
film. This is pre-emptive of what will happen in the film. Kit ends up leading
Holly away into a life of crime.
- Kit reverts to naturalistic behaviours when in the woods.
Nature plays a key role in NBK and Badlands.
- Kit wears a hat similar to the one Holly’s father wore.
This shows Kit’s dominance and control over Holly.
- Kit shows no remorse for killing Holly’s father. He shows
more interest in the toaster he picks up from the cellar.
- Kit offers a way out of the dull life Holly is leading in
the town.
- Kit tries to be a rebel throughout the film, by appearing
as a dysfunctional loner. This is ironic, as he has no original identity. He
tries to look like a popular American culture figure.
- Kit is more in touch with American culture than Holly.
- Kit’s appearance appears to fill the traditional male role,
but however, he shoots the men intruding in the forest in the back with a gun,
rather than fighting with them up front.
Holly’s
father:
- Holly’s father is the obstacle stopping Kit and Holly from
being together. This is similar to Mallory’s father in NBK.
- Holly hasn’t got a loving relationship with her father. The
lack of friends and family probably makes her more dependent on Kit.
Themes:
- The American dream
is a recurring theme throughout the film, as it is in most lovers on the lam
genre films.
- The music that
plays at the beginning of the film is similar to true romance, another lovers
on the lam film.
Media:
- When police are
starting to look for Kit and Holly, the film cuts to an old sepia scene. This
makes it look like an old wanted poster, and this style is similar to old
western films. Similar settings also support the fact that the film is trying
to replicate the western genre.
Entrapment and Freedom:
- The theme of being
trapped and being free are frequent throughout the film.
- A cage in the scene
indicates the couple are trapped. Wide open scenes of the prairie indicate the
couple are free.
- Being in a vast
area means that the couple are isolated from society.
- Kit physically
throws the cage away, indicating that the feeling of being trapped is gone from
the couple’s lives.
- The grid like
structure of the trees in the town gives a sense of claustrophobia. Holly feels
trapped within the town. Kit offers a way out.
Nature:
- Animal
deaths are a recurring theme throughout the film. There is a dead dog lying in
the street near the beginning of the film, Holly’s father kills Holly’s dog,
Holly throws away a dead fish, and a Kit leads a cow away to be killed. As Kit
hands a live chicken to his friend at the ranch, this gives an expectation of
what will happen. Animals in this film usually mean impending death, and that
implies that this character will be killed, which he is.
- The numerous shots
of nature reinforce the characters natural animalistic behaviours.
- In the narrative,
Holly states that she feels like a “wild animal” when she is in the prairie.
This supports the animalistic nature she is portraying. Wild animals are kept
in cages. This links in the element of entrapment to Holly’s character.
The American Dream:
- Kit’s ultimate goal
is to be somewhere where he is above the Law. When he is captured, he wears his
hat to try to state this to the officers. They put him back in his place when
they throw it outside.
- Kit takes out his vengeance on American
culture and his loos of the American Dream by shooting the rubber football.
- Becoming famous is
a common American dream. Kit and Holly achieve this by becoming famous through
their killings
.
- A key theme in Lovers on the lam films
is that the American dream is not as good as these characters expect it will
be.
- The song Kit and
Holly dance to states that “the dream is over”. This is true as they are soon
caught.
- The American dream
for Kit ends when the sound of a bell is heard in the non-diegetic music, as he
said it would in the narrative.
Hot and Cold:
- This is a recurring
theme throughout the film and creates a binary opposition.
- Kit says “won’t be
so hot with me”
- After killing
Holly’s father, Kit leans on a fridge whilst smoking a cigarette.
- The prairie is a particularly hot location
Locations:
- The Town – The town is typically perfect. The
gardens and houses are neat and there is no apparent conflict outside of
Holly’s family.
- The Forest – The forest is a natural environment
where Kit and Holly are happiest. Kit fulfils the hunter-gatherer type role and
shows animalistic type behaviours. The couple operate a very organised home in
the forest, this shows they are more comfortable here than anywhere else. They
are very much in control here.
- The Rich house – This house is of a different class and is
unlike what Kit and Holly are used to. This is shown through their awkward and
impatient behaviour whilst in there.
- The Prairie – The Prairie is outside of main American
culture, and Kit and Holly spend most of their time here.
- As the film
progresses, the badlands becomes less of a desirable place to be. It is cut off
from American society.
- Holly decides, by
turning herself in, that she wants to leave the badlands. This is represented
visually by the helicopter rising up and taking her away from the badlands
whilst Kit remains
.
- The train track – A bridge indicates change. This
influences the narrative, and this is when Holly decided to turn herself in. Kit
jumps from the train track back onto the prairie, and this probably indicates
that he wants to stay there, and not hand himself in.
Natural
Born Killers (1994)
Media:
-
- Pop Culture is used
throughout the film
- The narrative is
often told with TV programmes
- There is a direct
relationship between the fictional audience and the cinematic audience.
The film flicks through channels as if
the audience were also flicking through them.
- The shots often
come quickly in a subliminal fashion, suggesting the media influences its
audience in subliminal ways.
- Frankenstein is
referenced throughout the film – Implying that Mickey is a product of the
Media/Wayne’s creation. At the end of the film when Wayne is about to be shot,
Mickey says “Frankenstein had to kill Dr. Frankenstein”
- There are parts of
the film which cut to Wayne represented as the devil. This is comparing the media
with evil. This is one of the main aims of the film.
-
The Music used throughout the film are either strong rock
songs, or stereotypical television themes. Due to either media influence (The
latter) or Mickey and Mallory’s independence (the former). The music is very
representative of the time the film was made.
-
Mallory is often influenced by music. She is a strong female
character, and this is shown by the music she knows and listens to. Whilst in
the diner, she listens to L7, which was a popular band in the 90’s, (when the
film was made). They were an all female band, who made aggressive music, much
like Mallory’s character. It is clear Mallory has heard the song before, as she
recites some of the words. Although Mickey & Mallory try not to be influenced
by the Media, they struggle to escape it.
-
The film was shot in 56 days. This is a relatively quick
time to make a movie, and this [Possibly] makes the film seem fast paced.
-
Most of the people such as Wayne and the clerk use the
excuse of “Being the last one left” to save themselves from being murdered.
They have learnt this from the media reports.
Ironically, this rule doesn’t
apply to the two of them. When Mickey sees this on the TV in the Drug store,
his reaction suggests that he actually hasn’t intended to do this, and is
therefore a dramatic aspect just put in by the media.
- Diner Scene: Jukebox influences Mallory’s actions.
- Diner Scene: Cuts often to black and white – This is
similar to old film.
- Diner Scene: Style – A cartoon style, used in the
sound affects and action, Makes the film link into the media, stereotypical
sound affects and style of a cartoon.
- Diner Scene – TV, all the character in the film are
influenced by the television, and it is the first media we see. Binary
opposition with the previous nature shots. Nature and the media constantly
conflict throughout the film.
- Diner
Scene – Mallory tells the survivor in the Diner to remember their names.
Wanting to be remembered is a very common convention of the Lovers on the lam
genre.
- Sitcom Scene - The flashback of Mallory’s past is shown
in the style of an American sitcom. This creates an opposition with the
expected light-weight storylines of a typical sitcom and instead presents the
bleak truth.
- Sitcom Scene – The father is watching violence on TV.
This influences the way he acts around his family. This shows that media is
very influential in how people act. Since this film shows issues in an extreme
way, the media strongly influences characters within this film.
- Sitcom Scene – The brother is wearing makeup inspired by
the band KISS. He is young but still influenced by the media.
- Sitcom Scene – WWE is playing on the TV when Mickey is
fighting with Mallory’s dad. Shows how the media is tied in closely with life
within the film.
- Sitcom Scene - The
brother, when leaving his room, has make up inspired by the film “A Clockwork
Orange”. This was a controversial violent film which parallels this film, and
shows how violent figures influence young children. This shows a corrupt
society in which children are bought up on violence.
- Report scene – The report on Mickey and Mallory is over
dramatic. The amount of cameras and the way they are controlling how everything
should look etc. Suggests that the media is in a lot of control.
- Report Scene - People being interviewed on the show see
M&M in a very positive light, and see then more as role models. This
suggests that a culture brought up on media is very corrupt. They idolize
killers.
- Report Scene – Interviewees from London say M&M have
the same status as very famous media icons. This, again, shows how the public
can have unhealthy views due to the media. The film tries to show that bad consequences can follow when
mass murders are given celebrity status.
- Log cabin Scene – The hotel uses the fact that it has
HBO TV as a selling point on its front sign.
- Log Cabin Scene – Projections of famous film in the window
implies that the media is part of all aspects of life. This gives an aspect of
claustrophobia to the film. M&M can’t escape the media.
- Log cabin Scene – Hitler, giving orders, suggests the
media is very much in control. Hitler was a dangerous man who was idolized by
some. This can be paralleled with M&M and the audience. M&M are
generally perceived in a positive light when looking at the film as a whole.
Although they are shown this way, they are still murderers.
- Log cabin Scene – There are violent images, such as a gun,
projected. Violence is a big part of the media and a big part of M&M’s
life.
- Log cabin Scene - There are cutbacks to the film
“Scarface”. Scarface was a controversial film, known for its violence, which is
a prominent theme in this film.
- Redcloud Scene – Projected text say “Too much TV”
suggesting there has been a heavy media influence on M&M’s characters.
- Redcloud Scene – Mickey says the hut is similar to an
episode of “The Twilight Zone”. He links it in with the media.
-
Redcloud Scene – There is little
media influence here. There is a TV, but it is for the first time in the movie,
switched off. Redcloud is more in touch with nature.
- Supermarket Scene – The clerk recognises M&M due
to the TV.
- Supermarket Scene – Mickey is caught in a similar
fashion to Rodney King. Rodney King was ganged up upon by authority and
unfairly beaten. This can be related to Mickey, it implies that this is
unfair.
- Jail Scene – All the people in Jail have heard of
Mickey and Mallory, and have respect for them.
- Jail Scene – Many people have heard of Scagnettis’
book. Shows he has fulfilled his wish to become famous.
- Jail Scene – Wayne is often shown with a blue light
behind him. The shows he, and the media, are cold and insensitive. This is
later backed up in the narrative, when Wayne calls the audience “Morons”.
- Jail Scene - One of the most important factors Wayne
sees from interviewing Mickey is that the show is going to be live. He believes
that being seen on TV is more important than delivering the actual story.
- Jail Scene – A nuclear family watches Mickey’s
interview. This is opposite to the beginning of the film in the Diner, when the
customers are watching the Nuclear family. Suggests that everyone is watching the interview. This places a lot of importance
on it.
- Jail Scene – Riots break out in the jail due to the
television’s influence. This is similar to the Rodney King incident, in which a
number of riots broke out due to a media report; a similar situation.
- Jail Scene – Wayne changes from filming the show to
actively participating in it. He continues to report even when in a dire
situation, this shows what he will do to get a Story/Fame.
- Jail Scene – Mickey gives a camera to Wayne and tells
him “To shoot with this”. The camera replaces his gun. This gives a comparison
with violence and the media, and shows how close and dangerous they are.
- End Scene – Mickey and Mallory kill Wayne. This is
affectively killing the media in the film. This makes them, in some ways,
admirable.
- End Scene – The scene ends when M&M physically
walk out of the frame. The media documents everything from start to finish.
-
Ending Scene – The fact that M&M put an end
to the media makes M&M more respectable. Just as the people within the
documentary, the real life audience is now glorifying them. The whole film is
hypocritical. We condemn M&M for being murderers, but also glorify them.
Nature:
-
Animals are frequently referenced in
the film
-
Mickey has a tattoo of snakes.
-
Most all the animals shown in the
film are predators. Animals which aren’t predators, are usually seen dead.
Mickey does refer to himself as a rabbit when he was younger.
-
A rattle snake is not a dangerous
killer; it is naturally deadly, like M&M. This links in with the title;
“Natural Born Killers”
-
Introduction: Many images of nature are shown at the intro – Mickey and
Mallory are close to nature throughout the film. Sounds involved are the hissing
of a snake. This implies danger. Dangerous animals set generic expectations as
they pre-empt violence.
-
Introduction: Vast settings of deserts are
shown. Isolation is a common theme of the Lovers on the lam genre, as it shows
that the couple are usually alone, and are free to make their own choices,
usually without the character trying to stop them. In this film, it is Wayne
and Scagnetti.
-
Diner Scene – Scorpion Tattoo – Indicates
danger. All the animals shown are also native to the location.
-
Diner Scene – Mallory, when killing, acts very
similar to a wild animal. She is influenced by nature. This is different to
most other characters, who are heavily influenced by the Media.
-
Mallory dances in front of the sky,
implying she is very close to nature.
-
Escape Scene - Mickey escapes with “help” from a
tornado. This shows nature is on his side. Mickey is very close to nature.
-
Escape Scene - Mickey runs into danger by
running into the tornado. He is very close to danger, as he is nature.
-
Escape Scene – A snake helps Mickey by biting the
horses’ ankle.
-
Sitcom Scene – Mickey kills Mallory’s dad by
drowning him. Fish are in the water and don’t react to the death. Water is part
of nature, and is affectively helping Mickey.
-
Bridge Scene – The
items from Mallory’s previous life are going into the river. A river is a part
of nature, and is claiming her past life. As Mickey is representative of
nature, it can be paralleled to him. In “Badlands”, Kit throws away Holly’s
past items also.
-
Bridge Scene – Mickey claims that this is “My
world”. This shows he is dominant of nature. He is also high up (on the bridge)
establishing his dominance.
-
Bridge Scene – The wedding rings are snakes.
-
Bridge Scene – The blood becomes animated and
become snakes.
-
Log Cabin Scene - The place M&M stay at is
similar to a log cabin.
-
Redcloud Scene – The Native American shaman (Named
Redcloud) is more knowledgeable about nature than Mickey. Mickey is now more
vulnerable to nature, as he isn’t as dominant as he was previously. He is
fearful of the rattle snake in the corner of the room.
-
Redcloud Scene – There is an upside down American
flag, suggesting Redcloud and his grandson are inversely affected by American
society. They are more in touch with nature. His son was killed in the Army. He
is against American society.
-
Redcloud Scene – Redcloud telling the story of the
Rattlesnakes can be paralleled to him taking in Mickey and Mallory. He knows he
is going to be killed when he takes them in, but takes them in regardless to
try and exorcise the demons. He cares a lot about them, and this is probably
why M&M are so distressed when Mickey kills him.
-
Redcloud Scene – Mickey loses control of nature.
The rattle snakes attack him and Mallory. This result in M&M having to
visit the pharmacy, which results in them being captured. The snakes, or more
precisely, Nature, affectively turn their backs on Mickey by biting him and
Mallory. This could be because they killed Redcloud, and the snakes are
therefore against them.
-
Drug store Scene – Snakes are seen on the logo on
the sign. Nature, like the media, influences society, but in a less outright
way.
-
Drugstore Scene – As Mickey leaves the supermarket
and is about to be caught. He refers to himself as “The big bad wolf”. Shows he
is very close to nature. He often refers to himself as a Wolf.
-
Drugstore Scene – Scagnetti has claw marks down the
side of his face, like an animal has attacked him.
-
Jail Scene – Mickey is bought out in chains,
like an animal.
-
Jail Scene – When Scagnetti and the Warden are
walking through the jail, a wolf’s howl is heard. A wolf often represents
Mickey throughout the film.
-
Jail Scene – A shot is shown of wild dogs
tearing apart a carcass. This could have many representations, but it seems to
show American culture and how people like Wayne and Scagnetti want a piece of
the American dream, and they will fight over it. The shot of the Mantis eating
another insect also supports this idea of how people will climb over each other
to reach fame.
-
Jail Scene – When Scagnetti sees Mallory through
the door, she throws herself at the door, like a wild animal.
-
Jail Scene – When Scagnetti is visiting
Mallory, she is tense, and a rattle from a rattle snake is heard. This links
with the idea that it is in her and Mickey’s nature to kill, just like a
rattlesnake. This also links in with the title, and how animal like she is.
-
Jail Scene – Once the riots start, people start
acting uncivilized and like wild animals. This supports the idea that media has
influenced the prisoners to such a point when they have reverted to animalistic
behaviours.
-
Jail Scene – The final room Mickey and Mallory
escape to have red handprints over the wall. This is similar to cave paintings
that cavemen used to paint with. This again supports the idea that media has
influenced the prisoners so much, that they have reverted to animalistic
behaviours.
-
Jail Scene – Tribal chanting is heard. This
represents the animalistic behaviours the prisoners are reverting back to.
-
Ending Scene – Mickey and Mallory end up killing the media (Wayne) in a setting
where they are most comfortable. It is a forest and a completely natural
setting where they have complete control. They even have control of the media.
Characters:
- Mickey and Mallory are presented in a positive light,
when looking at the film as a whole.
- None of the characters are very secure in
themselves. All of them are
desperate to achieve fame/The American dream. Only Mickey and Mallory are the
truly legitimate characters. They act naturally, truthfully, and are happy in
themselves. The people who should
be legitimate and honest, Scagnetti as a detective, Wayne as an honest
presenter, and Mallory’s dad as a father figure, don’t fulfil these roles.
-
When taking all this into account, Mickey and Mallory
are not nearly as dangerous as Wayne and Scagnetti, especially as these
powerful figures have more influence.
Mickey &
Mallory
- The media treats
Mickey and Mallory like mass murderers, so they have no choice but to follow
those roles.
- Mallory is often
influenced by music. She is a strong, rebellious female character, and this is
shown by the music she knows and listens too. Whilst in the diner, she listens
to L7, which was a popular grunge band in the 90’s, (when the film was made).
They were an all female band, who made aggressive music, much like Mallory’s
character. It is clear Mallory has heard the song before, as she recites some
of the words. Although M&M try not to be influenced by the Media, they
struggle to escape it.
- Both Mickey and
Mallory idolize snakes throughout the film. They wear rings representing them,
and fantasy like scenes show animations of snakes representing M&M.
Ironically, when they are actually faced with a real snake, they are fearful.
This can be paralleled with the Media. People idolize celebrity figures without
knowing their true characters. Such as the people who idolize M&M.
- Mallory frequently
mentions Binary oppositions. E.g. she says she feels cold due to the snake
poison, when she is in the desert – A hot setting.
- Mickey and Mallory
are much more romantically in love than Kit and Holly. Their meeting is overly
romanticised in the sitcom, using non-diegetic romantic music.
- Although it seems
that M&M have everything they want, and are happy with what they have, they
do have a future dream to live on a boat with a jukebox and a dog. Mallory says
at the end of the film that she wants a child.
- Diner Scene - Mallory plays with her victims before
shooting them. Her character is more animated than Holly. She plays a more
active part in the couples’ killings.
- Sitcom Scene – Mickey is previously part of a dirty
job. This represents that he has previously come from nothing; there is nothing
special about him etc. The same happens in Badlands. This represents both
Mickey and Kit’s character.
- Redcloud Scene – Mickey and Mallory feel genuine remorse
when Mickey kills Redcloud. This is the first time they feel remorse for a
killing. This is probably because he was more influential. They are more
influenced by nature. They were also dependent on them for shelter. They
respected him a lot. “You killed life”
- Redcloud Scene – Unlike Holly, Mallory stands up to
Mickey when he kills Redcloud.
Scagnetti
- Scagnetti is shown
to be corrupt authority figure. He is egotistic, and pursues the American Dream
by wanting to be recognised. He is recognised for his book, which is about
himself, showing how egotistic he is.
- Due to Wayne and Scagnettis’ dishonesty, they are just
as bad, if not worse than Mickey and Mallory.
- Scagnetti is shown
in a green light when capturing M&M. Green represents jealousy. This could
possibly be because M&M have the American dream. They are relatively happy
characters which don’t have to lie about their character in order to achieve the
American Dream. Scagnetti does, and this is probably why he is jealous of
M&M.
- His mother was
murdered. This has influenced his character.
Wayne:
- Wayne is an
egotistic and selfish character, much like Scagnetti.
- Report Scene – All of the beginning credits are
credited to Wayne Gale, supporting how egotistic he is.
- Interview Scene - Wayne is insensitive to his audience; he
calls them “Morons”, Mickey later references this when he says that Wayne
doesn’t care about anyone else.
- Jail Scene – Wayne is often shown with a blue light
behind him. The shows he, and the media, are cold and insensitive.
- Ending Scene – He finally admits to himself near the end
of the film that he is a dishonest character, who doesn’t care about other
people, but attempts to justify himself by saying that’s what everyone
does.
Other
- Diner Scene – A recurring character is first seen at
the diner. He represents the Devil, and holds a newspaper which says “666
Death”. He is a recurring character throughout the film. He appears towards the
end of the film, and leads Mickey and Mallory down into the basement of the
prison. This could be similar to hell. The guns he is holding are in the shape
of a cross. This gives a religious element to the film. It could also give him
the status of a sort of protector or guardian angel to M&M, as he leads
them away from danger.
Cinematography & Themes
Cinematography
- There are many
twisted camera angles in the film. This shows the twisted and surreal world
which the movie is showing.
- After intro Scene - As Mallory is dancing in front of
the sky, the lighting changes depending on what she is talking about. White
lighting represents the she is talking about nature/she is good, Red represents
that she is angry.
- Garage Scene - Mallory is jealous of the hostage. This
is represented by the green light.
- Jail Scene - When interviewing Mickey, the lighting
changes on Wayne to represent what mood he is feeling. It is frequently red. He
becomes angrier than Mickey, suggesting he is more dangerous than Mickey
himself.
- Supermarket Scene – The shop is shown in a green
light. This represents poison and illness.
-
A big budget movie,
but controversial, with many surreal technological enhancements. This is
unusual for a big budget movie, which normally sticks with films with
stereotypical storylines that will surely attract a large audience, rather than
a controversial cult film.
Themes:
- The film is
surreal; A fantasy with some comical elements. Badlands is not; it is more mundane and realistic.
- The film deals with
the extremes of media influence and violence. However, violence is not the main
message of the film. It is merely used as a comparison to the media, and to
prove how dissimilar they are.
- The film tries to
show that it can lead to bad consequences when mass murderers are given
celebrity status.
- The film shows how
violence is shown in a glorified way, but, it is also ironic, as we as the
public also condemn it.
-
There is an
underlying religious theme in the film. Mallory talks about angels in the scene
where she is dancing in front of the sky, Mickey refers to the “Garden of
Eden”, a nun is etched on the back wall of Mickey’s prison cell, the 7 headed
dragon that is frequently cut to, the four horned Ram at Redcloud’s ranch, and the
recurring character who leads M&M to safety out of the Jail.
- Bridge Scene - A bridge represents a change. As in
Badlands. The couple here are deciding to get married. Mallory discards all of her old
clothes, represents loss of innocence.
- Jail Scene - Somebody hides behind the American flag
when Mickey is shooting people in the office. This shows how people can hide
behind American culture, rather than face the truth. The truth represented in
this film is that the media and society is corrupt.
- Jail Scene – There is a shot is shown of wild dogs
tearing apart a carcass. This could have many representations, but it seems to
show American culture and how people like Wayne and Scagnetti want a piece of
the American dream, and they will fight over it.
- Ending Scene – The fact that M&M put an end to the media makes
M&M more respectable. Just as the people within the documentary, the real
life audience is now glorifying them. The whole film is hypocritical. We
condemn M&M for being murderers, but also glorify them for defeating the
media influence. As we glorify them, we also condemn ourselves for giving mass
murderers a positive status.
Further discussion can be found on the links below:
AS FILM STUDIES: FM2
SECTION C AMERICAN CINEMA: EXAMINATION TIPS/CHECKLIST
For this section of the exam paper it is important to directly answer the question by referring to film sequences from ‘Badlands’ & ‘Natural Born Killers’. It is also essential that you use film language (mise-en-scene/camera etc) and make use of key issues such as narrative and genre conventions.
- The names of the film’s directors and the year of the release is mentioned early on
- The question is addressed in the opening paragraph
- The keywords in the question are referred to throughout the essay
- Good detailed reference to the film has to be at the core of any answer. Try to use sequences.
- This must have some indications of the use of film language – mise-en-scene, cinematography, editing, sound and music.
- If you don’t do this many examiners will view your information as mere description.
- If the question has the word narrative in the title – you must refer to narrative. Use the language to underpin this – i.e. resolution, closure, structure, cause and effect, pace, linear/non-linear. An understanding of narrative and the way it functions should be at the centre of your response.
- Representation is also an issue that should be employed in your answers. This could focus on individuals, groups, location, America or gender.
- If necessary also refer to genre; in terms of conventions, iconography and expectations.
- Wider contexts need to be employed in your answer. How are these films American? What influence does the time in which they were made have on these films? What events are they based upon?
- You must compare and contrast these films directly. Look for points where these films share distinctive elements and also if possible where they differ.
- Give your own opinions of the films – linked to what needs to be discussed in terms of the question. Support with reference to the films.
- Try to ‘think outside the box’. Candidates who offer more thought provoking responses tend to get higher marks.
- Write a short conclusion that draws you and the examiner back to the terms of the question. Remember that this is the last thing that they will read before they put a mark down.
- Three to five sides should assure quality and quantity.
*Mention other films: 'Bonnie & Clyde', 'Wild At Heart', 'True Romance', 'Gun Crazy'
Key Themes
- The ‘American Dream’ – something everybody can attain; ‘pop’ icons, mirroring or copying
- Dysfunctional Family - A result of unrealistic ideological beliefs
- Rootlessness – The characters have no ‘roots’ or ties to any family, for a variety of reasons, and they embark upon a ‘road trip’ to sustain their love.
- Modern Fairytale – The films present a highly romanticized view of what it is to be in love. Love conquers all, overpowers obstacles and anything is morally acceptable to maintain the relationship.
- Animalistic Nature: Trapped/Freedom – notions within their environments and the characters situation. There is a constant struggle between these opposing issues to maintain the partnership.
Characters
One approach to reflecting upon the question is to focus upon specific characters rather than trying to cover them all. Although the couples are central to the themes of the film, minor characters play significant roles in developing the binary oppositions at the core of the films themes.
Sequences
Another way of comparing the films is by comparing key sequences and fitting them to the questions. You should do this by giving the examiner a sense of each sequence filmically and not descriptively. Openings, complications, climaxes and resolutions make ideal discussion points, as they tend to draw upon the key issues.
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