Comparing and Contrasting Two Films Essay

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desert chase sequence in the original 1981 Raiders of the Lost Ark, one scene shows how critical lighting is to mis-en-scene. In this scene, Indiana is in a tent speaking with a man who tells him about the Ark being bound for Cairo on a truck, and Indy exclaims, "What truck?" The lighting used in this scene is extraordinary because Indy and the man are in the foreground and deliver all the dialogue but they are hidden in complete shadow. The point-of-view is with them, inside the tent. Outside the tent it is desert hot and intensely sunny. The viewer sees what is going on outside, but all we can see of Indiana and the men he speaks with are their silhouettes. What this lighting achieves is not only depicting an ironic contrast of light and darkness (Indiana is the "good guy" but he is in the dark), but also allows for a visually appealing framing of the entire scene, with the tent flaps serving as a curtain.

In the sequence leading up to Neo-meeting Morpheus for the first time, lighting also serves a critical function in The Matrix, and draws the viewer's attention to the overarching themes of good versus evil. In this scene, it is nighttime and naturally the lighting is dark overall. However, the streetlights and bolts of lightening punctuate the darkness and provide contrast in the same way that the cinematographer creates contrast in the tent scene in Indiana Jones.

2. Framing and texture are critical to both The Matrix and Indiana Jones.

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For instance, the same scene in which Neo-enters the mysterious building to meet Morpheus depends on effective framing devices and the use of skillful mis-en-scene. First, there is an overhead shot showing the downfall of the rain onto the streets and the car. Then, inside the viewer is treated to a geometric treat as the camera peers up the stairwell at the checkered tile flooring. The illusion of infinity is hinted at here, creating multiple dimensions on the two dimensional field and perfectly blending with the theme of alternative realities in the "matrix" itself.

Although the tone and style of Indiana Jones differs from that of The Matrix, both films rely heavily on framing, texture, and the use of the two dimensional field. The scene from within the tent epitomizes effective framing. In contrast to the overtly clean texture in the futuristic Matrix, the texture in Indiana Jones is deliberately gritty via the use of a lot of sepia to connote archaeological expeditions in the early 20th century. With a lot of wide angle shots interspersed with close-ups, the director creates the illusion of three dimensionality with a two-dimensional medium.

3. Use of time and pacing are crucial to the success of a film. Both Indiana Jones and The Matrix use timing effectively to propel the plot, evolve the characters, and help the film reach a satisfying conclusion without sacrificing the delightful play of details. As action films, neither The Matrix nor Indiana Jones lags….....

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