Directors Technique Flashcards
(21 cards)
What cultural movement influenced Pedro Almodóvar’s early career?
The ‘Movida Madrileña’ was a rapid, creative cultural revolution in Madrid during the 1980s.
What is the name of Almodóvar’s film company?
El Deseo, founded in 1985.
What themes are often explored in Almodóvar’s films?
Memorable female characters, aesthetics, colour, fashion, and complex characters.
Which film is regarded as a conscious return to Almodóvar’s roots?
Volver.
It is inspired by the environment that he grew up in
What is the significance of the colour red in Almodóvar’s films?
Red creates tension and serves as a focal point in various scenes
In the opening scene the credits are in red, this is among the gravestones of a cemetery in Castilla La Mancha.
Raimunda wears a red cardigan
Peppers and tomatoes are chopped in close up shots
The knife and blood from Paco- sangrado a través de la toalla de papel.
There is a contrast between the red of raimundas cardigan and the blue of Irenes in the last scene- powerful technique.
How does Almodóvar depict femininity in Volver?
Through the character of Raimunda, emphasizing her image, costume, and strength.
Powerful overhead shot of Raimunda in the kitchen cleaning the knife- disparo aéreo
What genre does Volver primarily belong to?
Melodrama.
We hear Raimunda singing passionately in the restaurant and Irene delivering an emotional soliloquy on her return to the family.
What is magic realism?
A style that introduces fantastic elements into realistic environments, often seen in Latin American literature.
How is magic realism exemplified in Volver?
Through the character of Irene’s ghost, accepted by the other characters without skepticism.
Raimunda accepts the fact that Irene is no longer a ghost and is alive.
Raimundas resilience could be said to be out of this world .
What does Almodóvar refer to Volver as?
‘Dramatic comedy’ and ‘surreal naturalism.’
What is a key quotation from Volver?
Mi madre ha muerto. De ser, serás su fantasma o su espíritu. … lo que tú quieras, pero sácame de aquí.
How is comedy used in volver?
The introduction of a ghost clashes with the serious moments of drama
Sole and raimunda find strength and solidarity in humour.
Agustina and telebasura
What is the mise-en-scène like in Volver?
It features motifs and imagery pertaining to La Mancha, creating a uniquely Manchegan atmosphere.
Wind turbines on the approach to Castilla la mancha
Tia paulas velatorio= overhead shots= like flies.
Many close up shots
What is a ‘plano general’?
A shot showing characters from head to toe or a good portion of a landscape, street, or room.
What is a ‘plano americano’?
A shot framing a character from the head to the knees.
What is a ‘plano medio’?
A shot showing characters from the waist up.
What is a ‘primer plano’?
A shot focusing on the neck and face of a character.
What is a ‘primerísimo plano’?
A shot that centers on the expression of the face.
What is a ‘plano detalle’?
A shot capturing only a detail of a character or object.
What is a ‘plano cenital’?
A shot where the camera’s viewpoint is perpendicular to the ground, offering a top-down perspective.
What is the other importance of planos?
- The types of women that are displayed is important:
○ They are poor yet are independent, innovative and seek solutions. They are resourceful and work together in solidarity.- Women are represented with planos generales or americanos- symbolises their unity and togetherness.
- Rituals and traditions bond women together.
○ Eg. The giving of food. - Paula sits apart from the others and is constantly on her phone- average stereotype of a typical teenager- un plano general.
After killing Paco, we see much more close up shots of Paula and Raimunda- symbolises their togetherness. - un primer plano or un primerisimo plano.
