Homework 3 (BLK)- Film-Making Conventions and Cultural Codes

This clip is from the independent erotic drama film, Sleeping Beauty, which was directed by Julia Leigh and premiered at the Cannes Film Festival of 2011.



Film-making conventions

• The type of framing used is a long shot. This has been framed in this way so that the audience can see the two characters, Lucy and Clara, in relation to the whole room and to each other. The space has been organised so that Lucy looks petite in comparison to the stylish interiors, whereas Clara looks like she fits into her surroundings comfortably and perfectly.
• The use of time in this clip is, in my opinion, quite clever. It is one continuous shot, of around two minutes in length, which thoroughly slows down the action but also simultaneously heightens the suspense and dramatic qualities of the film.
• This shot is quite highly lit, although the light is centred on the pair in the middle. This could represent the fact that injustice is taking place in 'broad daylight' or could suggest exposure, and therefore, vulnerability. 
• The fade-to-black at the end also slows the action down, as if a curtain is being brought down on a theatre act- this may represent the passing of time between scenes. However, as the dialogue has ended in an extremely cryptic manner, the audience are prepared for the shot to fade back in, possibly in a new setting or from a new perspective.
• The editor has deliberately limited the use of everyday sound effects to compliment the lack of dialogue. The vast majority of this clip is silent, which is an enigmatic technique used to both confuse the audience but also to keep them on the edge of their seats.

Cultural Codes

• There is an immediate use of props at the beginning of the clip, when Lucy enters the room carrying a brown, worn-looking satchel in her arms. This suggests she is young, and possibly a student at school/university.
• Lucy is also wearing a pink bathrobe. The colour pink most commonly is known as a feminine colour, but also connotes innocence, which is a strong juxtaposition to what is to come, in terms of the narrative. We assume she has just had a shower, and feels relaxed and at ease at Clara's residence. Once again, this shows how oblivious she is to what Clara has planned for her. 
• On the other hand, Clara is wearing a tight, dark dress, black heels and her hair is up. This is, traditionally, a look associated with a businesswoman, and as we later find out, she does run quite a horrific business.
• The set up in the centre of the frame is the focus for this clip. The leather lounge chairs look sophisticated and regal, but also have a very welcoming feel. Similarly, the china set on the coffee table connotes homeliness.
• The rows of books on the walls of the room are unmissable, and give the clip a very elaborate, stylish mise-en-scene. Books are the symbol of intelligence and knowledge, and  this reflects Clara's personality, which is why she has also been dressed to mirror the stylish mise-en-scene of the room, and perhaps why Lucy has been dressed in completely the opposite way.