Invisibility/Verisimilitude
In the 2020 film titled Till, the concepts of invisibility/ verisimilitude, character arc, and audio-visual story emphasis strongly manifest throughout the film. The concept of invisibility or verisimilitude refers to the seamless presentation of a narrative where the character can immerse themselves in the story, with the camera and filmmaking techniques remaining unnoticeably in the background. This film’s invisibility is apparent through its cinematography, set design, and chosen costumes.
Specifically, the visuals have a naturalistic tone that captures the character and setting authenticity. The director’s use of a period-appropriate location transports the audience to the 1950s US. In addition, the detailed production designs create a sense of realism in which the audience engages with the story without distractions.
Character Arc
Character arc is a concept that portrays the protagonist’s emotional journey in a film. In the film, the character, Mamie Till-Bradley, portrayed by Danielle Deadwyler, has a profound character arc. At the beginning of the film, she is a loving mother who warns her son, Emmett Till, of the dangers of the racially charged tensions in the Southern states. However, the brutal murder of her son transforms her into a determined activist as she channels her anger and frustration to advocate for justice and lead the civil rights movement.
Audio-Visual Story Emphasis
The classical Hollywood emphasizes mise en scene and the accompanying sound to enhance storytelling. This is apparent in Till, which uses various visual techniques and sound design. For example, the distinct lighting choice and framing in the scene where the story of peaceful Chicago and tension-filled Mississippi is told exemplify the use of audio-visual story emphasis. The accompanying sound and dialogue further enhance the narrative, immersing the audience in the events and emotions of the story.
Scenes with Emotional Impact
The film Till is an emotional rollercoaster from the first scene to the last scene. However, several scenes in the film stand out because they evoke emotions that relate to the character’s struggle. One of these scenes is the murder and discovery of Emmett Till’s body. The scene where Mamie Till-Bradley learns of the murder of her son and the subsequent discovery of his body was carefully captured in the film to portray the profound emotional impact that this death had on the character.
Specifically, the directors use close-ups of Mamie’s face, capturing her shock, disbelief, and heartbreak, allowing the audience to relate to her pain and feel deep empathy. Juxtaposing Mamie’s emotional breakdown with shots of Emmett’s body during the autopsy increased the emotional impact of this scene. The themes explored in the film during this sequence include injustice, the weight of a mother’s grief, and loss.
The second scene meant to evoke an emotional reaction from the audience is Mamie’s testimony during the trial. The scene where Mamie takes the stand to testify against Roy Bryant and J.W. Milam for the murder of her son was emotionally charged, and the film accurately captures the significance of this moment. The framing of the scene focuses on Mamie’s face to show her vulnerability and the strength she recalls in identifying her son and the extent of the injuries he had suffered, with her voice trembling as her eyes swelled with tears. The subtle visual and audio cues used by the director and close-ups of Mamie gripping the witness stand heighten the emotional impact of everything she said during that trial. Thus, this scene emphasizes her determination to seek justice and her resilience through the pain of losing a child to senseless murder.
Depiction of Right or Wrong in the Film
Several scenes in the film show its take on right or wrong and convey a moral lesson to the audience. One such moment occurs when Mamie cautions her son Emmett about the racial dangers he might face in Mississippi before he departs to visit his relatives. She advises her son to take caution when interacting with white people and emphasizes the consequences of any real or imagined transgression.
According to this scene, the correct behavior is self-preservation and conforming to the majority’s rules and social expectations of respect and deference. Later in the film, Emmett jokingly whistles at a white lady who does not take the joke kindly, leading to a series of events that end with his killing. Thus, the film emphasizes the consequences of wrong behavior, which is depicted as going against societal norms and expectations.
Another scene that takes on right or wrong is when Mamie delivers a speech at the NAACP Rally. During the speech, she criticizes the Mississippi justice system for victim-blaming and failing to live up to the promise of equal justice. This scene defines proper behavior by highlighting Mamie’s determination and courage to fight for racial justice. Through her impassionate words, the film communicates the moral ideas of holding those in power accountable, seeking the truth, and advocating for civil rights.
Exploration of Primary Melodrama Themes in the Film
In Till, several primary themes identified by John Belton relating to melodrama are explored. Most of the scenes in the film explore Mamie’s resilience and activism. Throughout the film, Mamie embodies the theme of small units seeking justice by confronting adversity.
The senseless murder of her son immerses her in immense grief. Still, she refuses to be consumed by it and instead channels her pain and frustration to make sure no other black child in America will experience what her son experienced. Despite the emotional toll, she meets up with the Chicago chapter of the NAACP to seek justice and demand accountability through legal action. This scene showcases her as a strong-willed individual in a small social unit confronting a tragedy while at the same time actively challenging injustice through activism.
The second scene that embodies John Belton’s primary theme is when she gives a speech at an NAACP rally. The theme emphasized here is power and participation, where she addresses the audience with conviction and determination in criticism of the rampant systemic racism that allowed her son’s killers to evade accountability. Through her words, she challenges those in power to change the status quo and ensure the country lives up to its promise of justice for all. By speaking and demanding change, she embodies resilience and inspires others to join and support the civil rights movement.
Article: Melodrama as a Method
The article titled “Melodrama as a Method” by Anupama Kapse explores the concept of melodrama and its significance in the methodical approach to film studies. It delves into how melodrama functions as a method of analysis and sheds light on its narrative structure. The author argues that melodrama should not be viewed only as a film genre but also as a method of storytelling (Kapse, 2013). Kapse shows how melodrama can convey complex emotions, especially regarding social justice and political struggle. Reading this article enhances one’s understanding of melodrama and provides insights into its application in filmography.
Reference
Kapse, M. (2013). Melodrama as method. Framework: The Journal of Cinema and Media, 54(2), 146–151. Web.