The Scarecrow

Question 1

Realism =

Answer 1

• Long shots which allows the audience to take in the contraption
• This allows he audience to look at the joke themselves
• House is small and compact which highlights how poverty was increasing and smaller rooms were the standard
• Seely is seen in a traditional feminine role baking pies for her father and needing permission from her father to marry
• Highlights the exploitation of the working class and their days of work then not having a large house
• Portrayal of poverty and agriculture in 1920’s America through their living conditions
• Lack of title cards and minimal editing

Question 2

Expressionism =

Answer 2

• Reference to how women are able to vote which highlights the change coming
• Surreal visual gages during the breakfast table
• The sun rises unrealistically and at an incorrect speed
• Iris shots uses throughout the film to control our interpretations and focus our attention
• ‘Rube Goldberg machine’ to mock societies obsession with consumerism and modernism
• Surrealist humour of the dog climbing the ladder and Keaton dressing as the scarecrow
• Roommate acts ditzy and girl which is emasculating

Question 3

Context =

Answer 3

• 1920’S women’s right to vote, I don’t care how she votes I’m going to marry her anyways
• Criticises Americas obsession with consumerism and modernism

Question 4

Representation =

Answer 4

• The women does things typical of women in 1920’s such as dancing and baking. Also reflects she needs permission from her father. Keaton is able to highlight how this is changing through women’s independence, poisoning her father and eloping without his consent
• The protagonist is emasculated which subverts typical gender roles