A Separation analysis

how can we characterize the range and depth of the narration in The Conversation and A Separation

• the conversation:

  • restricted —> we learn everything along with Harry, we (the audience) don’t know more than he does

  • subjective —> we can see Harry’s dreams and know more about his inner life

• a separation:

  • unrestricted —> we learn everything alongside various different characters, with all the information getting fully revealed to everyone at the end

  • objective —> we only learn people’s thoughts through direct dialogue, instead of having any voice overs

essay tip

• if there is a scene that is ambiguous with subjective or objective, explain why the shot is subjective/objective and how it impacts the scene —> how does this change of shots change/impact the story

what is the opening of the film?

• hard opening: movie opens with the 2 characters arguing in court trying to file for a divorce

characterizing the scene with cinematography

• POV shot of the judge

  • “breaking the fourth wall” —> the characters are talking directly to the character but they’re referring to the judge, not the audience

  • subjective scene —> we are learning everything alongside the judge but the movie itself is objective