Harry Hook Lord Of The Flies Cinematography Analysis

Throughout the movie, Director Harry Hook uses several cinematic techniques in order to emphasize the underlying plot of the Lord of the Flies. He emphasizes isolation starting with wide panning shots of a protagonist and moving on to the abundant scenery of the island. The use of many different musical scores as different groups of boys are isolated from each other aids in not only creating a sense of futility, but also of hatred and disgust. The props, while remaining simple due to the limitations of the boys on the island, remain important to the plot.
Throughout the movie the hunters are distinguished from the others with the use of military drum beats, and as the conflict between them and Ralph’s followers further develops, the use of minor keys compares with their malicious intents. This musical suspension subconsciously directs the audience’s attention to the separation between the two groups. We hear soloist when the characters or groups of characters feel isolated and hopeless, yet harmonies when they are working together, even if they are in minor keys such as during the hunters expeditions. In Ralph’s party, these harmonies gradually decrease until we see only Ralph and Piggy left and there only remains a duet.

As all is well, there is nothing but clear skies and happy days on the island. As the hunters branch off and the helicopter flies over the island unnoticing, we see a conflict between Jack and Ralph. The storm immediately after this conflict aids in underlining this separation and the trees seem to create a barrier between Ralph and Piggy in the beginning, symbolizing the separation between Ralph and Jack. A storm also appears during the scene with the Lord of the Flies and Simon to show his descension into madness and subsequent