Opening Scene in “The Grand Budapest Hotel” Film Essay

Exclusively available on Available only on IvyPanda® Made by Human No AI

The scene under analysis is one of the opening scenes of The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014). The scene can be called “Seeing off Madame D at the Hotel’s Entrance.” The scene lasts for approximately a minute (0:09:18-0:10:40), but it is rather illustrative in terms of cinematographic tools. The scene reveals the way the protagonist, Gustave, works with guests, and meets one of the main characters. The piece under analysis can be characterized by dynamics and the protagonist’s dominance.

First, the establishing shot comes. It displays the hotel’s entrance with a car in the foreground. The theme of departure is stressed. The next shot is a high angle that shows the woman sitting in the car. The shot is followed by a low angle displaying the protagonist. Gustave’s dominance is emphasized as the woman seems to be in his complete power. Gustave is caring and supportive. The background is the hotel that can be regarded as the symbol of safety (just like Gustave) for Madame.

Camera Dolly is used to making the next shot. The viewer sees what Madame can see from the car window. The use of this tool makes the scene more dynamic, as quite a pathetic dialogue is changed by a quick movement. A close-up is used next to show Madame’s emotions (her fear, grief, despair).

The next shot is made with strict adherence to the rule of thirds. The emphasis is made on Gustave while the hotel and the bell boy serve as the background. The close-up is used to reveal the protagonist’s emotions and ideas. Notably, the main character is not placed in the middle of the frame, which adds certain dynamics. It is also necessary to add that deep depth of field is used as another main character is introduced to the scene. At this point, it is necessary to mention the use of the 180º rule. The establishing shot helps the viewer to sense the axis of the shot. According to this rule, the actors should be in front of the camera.

However, the woman inside the car is shown, which means that the camera is moved to the opposite side of the axis. However, the viewer does not feel confused as the establishing shot revealed the car, so it is obvious that Madame is there. Another interesting device used is the insertion. Gustave is telling the bell boy what exactly to do, and one of the things to do is illustrated with the help of insertion (the boy who should receive the change is shown). The use of insertion also adds dynamics to the scene. As for the lighting, the action takes place in the afternoon, so the light is quite bright. This makes the viewer feel the beauty of Gustave’s ordinary day.

As has been mentioned above, the scene is very dynamic and contributes to the development of the main character, who is a lively and confident man enjoying his life. The scene helps understand the importance of the cinematographer’s decisions. Thus, the use of camera movements and angles helps the cinematographer convey the meanings developed by the director. It could be easy to use a wide shot and some panning to make the scene. The viewer would listen to the dialogue and elicit some details important for the plot. However, a myriad of meanings would be left out. The cinematographer makes the viewer focus on particular details be amused, or get frightened. The cinematographer is the person who makes plain pictures colorful and meaningful.

More related papers Related Essay Examples
Cite This paper
You're welcome to use this sample in your assignment. Be sure to cite it correctly

Reference

IvyPanda. (2020, August 31). Opening Scene in "The Grand Budapest Hotel" Film. https://ivypanda.com/essays/opening-scene-in-the-grand-budapest-hotel-film/

Work Cited

"Opening Scene in "The Grand Budapest Hotel" Film." IvyPanda, 31 Aug. 2020, ivypanda.com/essays/opening-scene-in-the-grand-budapest-hotel-film/.

References

IvyPanda. (2020) 'Opening Scene in "The Grand Budapest Hotel" Film'. 31 August.

References

IvyPanda. 2020. "Opening Scene in "The Grand Budapest Hotel" Film." August 31, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/opening-scene-in-the-grand-budapest-hotel-film/.

1. IvyPanda. "Opening Scene in "The Grand Budapest Hotel" Film." August 31, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/opening-scene-in-the-grand-budapest-hotel-film/.


Bibliography


IvyPanda. "Opening Scene in "The Grand Budapest Hotel" Film." August 31, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/opening-scene-in-the-grand-budapest-hotel-film/.

If, for any reason, you believe that this content should not be published on our website, please request its removal.
Updated:
This academic paper example has been carefully picked, checked and refined by our editorial team.
No AI was involved: only quilified experts contributed.
You are free to use it for the following purposes:
  • To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
  • As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
  • As a template for you assignment
Privacy Settings

IvyPanda uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience, enabling functionalities such as:

  • Basic site functions
  • Ensuring secure, safe transactions
  • Secure account login
  • Remembering account, browser, and regional preferences
  • Remembering privacy and security settings
  • Analyzing site traffic and usage
  • Personalized search, content, and recommendations
  • Displaying relevant, targeted ads on and off IvyPanda

Please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy for detailed information.

Required Cookies & Technologies
Always active

Certain technologies we use are essential for critical functions such as security and site integrity, account authentication, security and privacy preferences, internal site usage and maintenance data, and ensuring the site operates correctly for browsing and transactions.

Site Customization

Cookies and similar technologies are used to enhance your experience by:

  • Remembering general and regional preferences
  • Personalizing content, search, recommendations, and offers

Some functions, such as personalized recommendations, account preferences, or localization, may not work correctly without these technologies. For more details, please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy.

Personalized Advertising

To enable personalized advertising (such as interest-based ads), we may share your data with our marketing and advertising partners using cookies and other technologies. These partners may have their own information collected about you. Turning off the personalized advertising setting won't stop you from seeing IvyPanda ads, but it may make the ads you see less relevant or more repetitive.

Personalized advertising may be considered a "sale" or "sharing" of the information under California and other state privacy laws, and you may have the right to opt out. Turning off personalized advertising allows you to exercise your right to opt out. Learn more in IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy.

1 / 1