Scene Analysis: At Jack Rabbit Slim’s

Question 1

Cinematography:
1. artificial lighting in diner
2. eyeline match between Mia and Vincent
3. oblique angles
4. Mia and Vincent contrast
5. wide shot of women crowded around bathroom mirror
6. low angle of ‘Monroe’s’ skirt

Answer 1

1. colourful and fun
2. intimate
3. shows lack of dialogue
4. Mia is illuminated by lights, Vincent in the shadows
5. none react to Mia’s cocaine use, too focused on their own appearance
6. reference to ‘The Seven Year Itch’

Question 2

Sound:
1. 50s and 60s rock (etc “You Never Can Tell” - Chuck Berry and “Lonesome Town” - Rickey Nelson)

Answer 2

1. reflects the theme of the diner, atmospheric

Question 3

Mise en scene:
1. Mia in open shirt and red nails
2. Vincent’s suit
3. Mia’s bob
4. Mia’s shirt and trousers
5. “Douglas Sirk” steak
6. “Martin and Lewis” and “Amos and Andy” milkshake

Answer 3

1. femme fatale
2. shows how this is a business trip for him
3. subverts typical Hollywood woman: long blonde hair
4. non traditionally sexualised
5. reference to German director best known for his work in 1950s Hollywood melodramas
6. problematic reference to comedic duos

Question 4

Editing:
1. insert shot of Mia drawing a box, with lines appearing on screen
2. long take of Vincent walking through the diner
3. slow paced editing
4. majority of shots linger on Mia

Answer 4

1. able to manipulate the film medium and break the fourth wall, reminds the viewer they are watching a film
2. camera follows him
3. authenticity
4. shows she has more power

Question 5

Performance:
1. Mia expresses with her eyes
2. women waiters are more enticing
3. Vincent stays out of Mia’s way when dancing
4. unbroken eye contact
5. “Powder my nose”
6. Vincent is intimidated by Mia

Answer 5

1. male gaze
2. sexualisation
3. sexual tension
4. double meaning
5. Vincent is more bashful and quiet, avoids eye contact

Question 6

What is the purpose of this scene?

Answer 6

to pay homage to the golden age of cinema