I have to say, this was one of my favorite movies. I remember reading the book originally when I was around 13 and to see this story brought to the screen was an amazing feat. The cinimatography was also eye catching. The longshots, the overheads, it was all amazing and complimented to the feeling of what was taking place on screen. While he was leaving his family behind the camera was always a distance away but still showing a full shot of him.
As he got closer to people on his journeys the camera focused more on him and the people he surrounded himself with. This showed a closeness or a bond between him and his friends. One particular part that was my favorite that was skipped was the old man. The old man he lived with for a short time that showed him how to work leather. He was wise and knowledgeable within his age. He also reminded me of my own grandfather, and I feel that was why Alexander stayed with him so long.
During the final scenes of the movie on the magic bus, you could see from the angles that he had distanced himself from society quite far away. Most scenes were shot with a telescoping lense from far distances, even when he was climbing the mountain to see the area they showed how far away the bus was from anything marking a man-made structure. He felt at home there, at peace with himself. In a way I feel happy about the ending. After his long journey he had finally realized what was missing, "Happiness is best shared"
Jake H.
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Thanks for posting, Jake....
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed the film. I agree that this story is simply miraculous, and I am so thankful there are still people who are willing to just get back to basics in this world of useless technology, materialism, and detachment....
Good eye with the visual strategy for scenes with him and other people...that's something I hadn't really thought of before....
How does the cinematography change from when Chris is in nature, or with other people, to when he is in the bus? It feels very small in there, and hand-held camera is used to make it feel more intimate and close and what one student calls documentary like. After he eats the poison plants it gets almost shaky, and uses dutch angles to show panic and disorientation....
I agree that the scenes with the old man are touching, and even heart breaking, and very important to the story indeed. Unfortunately I just couldn't fit it in in the context of the class. Glad you liked it!