Sep 21 2012
Realism in a Film
Whether or not “Wasp” is based on the filmmaker, Andrea Arnold’s life, is indefinite. But her childhood years surely had some effect on the film. “Wasp” tells a highly realistic story which causes the viewer to sympathize with Zoe, the protagonist. Instead of being filmed in the customary fashion, steadily, using a tripod, it is filmed with a hand-held camera, ultimately making the footage shaky. This
creates a film which is almost tangible to the viewer, as if he is with the characters and in their situation. With the close-up and zoomed-in footage, the viewer actually feels like he is trapped and caught in the drama. I think this film is based on conflict and that’s what makes it so real. I’m ambivalent in my reaction towards Zoe. On the one hand, her actions are unreasonable, but on the other hand, they are completely understandable. Also, there were so many moments during the film that I thought something tragic was about to happen: the kids would be run over by a car in middle of the street, or the four seemingly-drunk teenagers would do something, etc., but nothing catastrophic happened, and the even ended on a positive note. Arnold probably put in these scenes to amplify the realism: there is potential here for something bad to occur and the viewer is in midst of all of it.
creates a film which is almost tangible to the viewer, as if he is with the characters and in their situation. With the close-up and zoomed-in footage, the viewer actually feels like he is trapped and caught in the drama. I think this film is based on conflict and that’s what makes it so real. I’m ambivalent in my reaction towards Zoe. On the one hand, her actions are unreasonable, but on the other hand, they are completely understandable. Also, there were so many moments during the film that I thought something tragic was about to happen: the kids would be run over by a car in middle of the street, or the four seemingly-drunk teenagers would do something, etc., but nothing catastrophic happened, and the even ended on a positive note. Arnold probably put in these scenes to amplify the realism: there is potential here for something bad to occur and the viewer is in midst of all of it.
First thing, Jude, change the category of this post! It should be under the “WASP” category, not the “MORE” one.
I am also unsure of how I feel towards Zoe. Of course, instinctively, I don’t want her to be separated from her children, but is it really best for them to be living in such unsafe conditions? Than again, is it best for them to grow up always wondering what happened to their mother? It sounds like an unfortunate, lose-lose situation all around. The fact that I’m grappling with this shows how real the film felt. I hope that those kids will be okay…
Thanks Pesh.
Yes, it is a lose-lose situation and I hope they’re ok, too…
I’ve heard some people say that films shot using a hand held camera make them dizzy which distracts them from the movie which in turn takes away from the point the director is trying to make. I have to agree with you in saying that it made me feel like I was there with the characters. I was literally on the edge of my seat in so many instances hoping and wondering what would happen next. I think the hand held camera makes the film more real, engaging and tangible as you said.