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.