The animation film i've chosen to study is 'The Lion King'
The Lion King
In present day animation films, directors use many factors to influence the movie in different ways. These include: characters, plot, setting, sound and others. In the animation film, 'The Lion King', Disney used aspects such as characters to influence the thematic ideas of the film. Characters influence movies in a large and dramatic manner, changing not only the themes but also other major roles in the structure of a movie such as the plot, the setting and the atmosphere of the film. These characters change and develop over time, but the mix of personalities in the film helps us understand the themes, ideas and the morals of the movie. Simba, Scar and Mufasa are important and because they develop key ideas in the film. For example: betrayal, responsibility and vengeance. Disney used techniques such as camera angles and non-diegetic and diegetic sound to help portray the themes and to assist the characters to influence themes.
Scar's actions in the film, strongly demonstrate betrayal and rise to power. His betrayal of Mufasa illustrates the key idea of betrayal, influencing the movie and the viewer’s emotion towards the film. This is an important scene in the motion picture because it influences not only the morals, but also the whole film itself. Scar betrayal of Mufasa is clearly shown in the scene when Mufasa is hanging on the side of the cliff, asking Scar for help, but Scar instead throws Mufasa off the cliff, to certain death. This is a clear example of how characters can influence the key ideas of a film, using actions. Non-diegetic sound is applied in this scene to give effect to the scene and to assist the viewer in realising the great emotion related to the film.
Simba’s role clearly shows key ideas in the movie, and influences many different themes. His actions and situation change over time and therefore changing the film’s thematic ideas. Simba goes from being a king's son who has not a trouble in the world, to a run-away king who is needed greatly back at home but he is too scared to go back. The theme of ‘running away’ and being 'scared' is displayed when he ran from the 'Pride Lands' and didn't return for several years. It is also demonstrated when Simba says: "I can't go back". Although, once he returns to the kingdom, the themes change from ‘running away’ to ‘vengeance’ and ‘destiny’. The technique of an extreme long shot is used in the scene because it helps us understand that he's running really far away and this makes us understand the theme of 'running away'.
Mufasa is portrayed in the film as a strong, powerful, caring king, who loves his family dearly. When Simba goes to the elephant graveyard, a place where his father forbade him to enter, hyenas attack him. Mufasa rushes to save his son and gets there just in time. Mufasa distinctly demonstrates his love for his son, Simba, after this scene, and he when he is taking him home. In this moment, Mufasa is trying to look after Simba by telling him a few of life’s lessons and trying to look out for him and protect him. One example of this is when he said: "Simba, being brave, doesn't mean you go looking for trouble." This scene clearly demonstrates the king's concern and caring for his son. This scene illustrates themes such as caring, love and concern. The technique of a low angle shot looking up at Mufasa, with the combination of Mufasa talking in a low saddened voice, is used in this scene to give the impression that Mufasa was powerful but worried and afraid of Simba being hurt. Mufasa's actions and emotions influences the thematic ideas of the movie in this scene, making him look powerful but weak at the same time.
Timone and Pumba are two great, humorous characters who can never be separated and who are the best of friends. These two characters influence the themes of the movie and clearly portray the idea of ‘friendship’ and ‘humour’. These characters don’t live in paradise, but they love their life and are always happy, even though they have to eat worms, and be constantly on the move, never living in one area for too long. The reason they love their life is because they are together and they are the best of friends. This illustrates the life message that you need to have friends and they will always make you happy, no matter what circumstances or situation you are in. It doesn’t matter what is wrong sometimes, just be happy and have a positive attitude. This is shown when Pumba says: “Hakuna Mattata.” This means no worries. It also represents the key idea that it doesn’t matter who you are or if you are different, because you can always be friends with someone, no matter what. Your race or gender shouldn’t influence whom you can be friends with or whom you associate yourself with.
These examples show how animation films these days use characters, as well as many other factors, to influence the movie. They can create the atmosphere and the setting for the movie. This then forms a connection between the viewer and the character. This in turn helps us understand the movie better so that we can feel more emotion towards the film. The examples of Mufasa teaching Simba a life lesson, of Scar betraying and murdering Mufasa and of Simba being scared and running away, all show thematic ideas. These are created by the character’s actions and personalities. These examples are all important scenes and strong themes within the film. Characters are the most important factor of an animation film. They create an emotional connection and influence themes needed to make a great movie.
-964 words
Andrew Regoli
Lord of the Rings
Panning Shot
Rises up to show the size of the tower and how big and powerful it is
(sorry sir, the animation didn't turn out as well as I wanted it to)
(sorry sir, the animation didn't turn out as well as I wanted it to)
Long Shot
Characters close to the camera but not the focus point. Used to show the size of the gate compared to the characters and how powerless they are against it.
Medium Shot
This camera angle was used to show Golem attacking Froddo, as well as Sam pulling golem away from him, trying to protect Froddo.
Close Up
This was used to show the desperation in golem's face to acquire the ring. It also shows how old and weak he is. His eyes have pain and suffering in them, making the audience feel a little bit sorry for him.