The Crucible Act 2 Scene 1 Analysis

497 Words2 Pages

High key lighting is used in this scene during the moment where the slaves begin to bathe themselves before being auctioned. McQueen uses this lighting to exhibit the setting they are in. The light highlights there features but does not over enhance their bodies. Rather the lighting is full but drab, in that it does not show contrast or much difference in each of the persons. This use of high fill light allows the viewer to see the area in which they have been put in, but does not provide detail. McQueen utilises this to focus onto the somber fate that has been imposed onto them. This high key lighting seems counterintuitive during such a powerful part of the movie. However, the filling light makes the situation even more captivating. Another way McQueen displays lighting is by using edge light. His utilisation of this light on different characters adds a more impactful and serious nature to each frame. In the scene where the Mr. Freeman shows the buyer, a man in a white suit, …show more content…

The compositional framing is stressed during the part where Mr. Ford selects Platt and Eliah. During this part, the slaves are centered in the middle of the frame but are placed behind Mr, Freeman and Mr. Ford. This type of framing is even more stressed when Elisha fights back to protect her children. By centering her in the middle of the frame, the focus is drawn to her, while the language and presence of the two men are featured as well. Another great use of this framing is when Platt is given the violin to play while there is yelling and commotion going around. This scene is dramatic, because on the left side of the screen Platt plays the violin vigorously, in the center Mr. Ford stands, and on the right side there are a few slaves, who remain emotionless. However, by centering Mr. Ford in the frame and blurring out the sides, it is able to draw attention to every movement and expression of his body and