NCFOM: Chigurh Analysis Opening Scene
Micro-features with Chigurh:
- Mise-en-scene - Costume - dark, incongruous to western attire
- Colour palette - setting - scorched - burnished - arid - parched
- Hair (no Hat) - Casting - Javier Bardem - Spanish
- Blocking - placement of character within frame - body language - back to camera shot - profile - lighting - silhouette - cage effect - distanced spectator - enigma code
- Shot size
- Depth of field
- Props - captive bolt pistol
The introduction of Chigurh immediately distances the spectator due to the mise-en-scene surrounding Chigurh. This creates enigma codes within costume, props and his position within the frame. The enigma code through costume is created through his dark outfit that is incongruous to the Western attire which forces the spectator to question why he is in this setting. The close up of the captive-bolt pistol being placed on the car seat, paints the question of the nature of Chigurh's character due to the ambiguity of the purpose of the prop. The first appearance of Chigurh in a back to camera shot where he is being led by the deputy sheriff immediately characterises Chigurh as the villain according to the spectator. The silhouette of Chigurh denies the spectator of any detail about him, which could be seen as contradictory to the typical conventions of the Western genre where the villain would often be introduced clearly, and their intentions against the American Dream would be made apparent. This (contradiction?) is also seen through the shadow of jail bars on the car; an allusion that Chigurh is going to get away with his actions, once again going against the typical conventions of the Western genre.
Pros:
- Perfect point
- Mise-en-scene - Costume - dark, incongruous to western attire
- Colour palette - setting - scorched - burnished - arid - parched
- Hair (no Hat) - Casting - Javier Bardem - Spanish
- Blocking - placement of character within frame - body language - back to camera shot - profile - lighting - silhouette - cage effect - distanced spectator - enigma code
- Shot size
- Depth of field
- Props - captive bolt pistol
The introduction of Chigurh immediately distances the spectator due to the mise-en-scene surrounding Chigurh. This creates enigma codes within costume, props and his position within the frame. The enigma code through costume is created through his dark outfit that is incongruous to the Western attire which forces the spectator to question why he is in this setting. The close up of the captive-bolt pistol being placed on the car seat, paints the question of the nature of Chigurh's character due to the ambiguity of the purpose of the prop. The first appearance of Chigurh in a back to camera shot where he is being led by the deputy sheriff immediately characterises Chigurh as the villain according to the spectator. The silhouette of Chigurh denies the spectator of any detail about him, which could be seen as contradictory to the typical conventions of the Western genre where the villain would often be introduced clearly, and their intentions against the American Dream would be made apparent. This (contradiction?) is also seen through the shadow of jail bars on the car; an allusion that Chigurh is going to get away with his actions, once again going against the typical conventions of the Western genre.
Pros:
- Perfect point
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