Ten Blocks on the Camino Real by Tennessee Williams and Brecht & Weill’s The Seven Deadly Sins as directed by Peter Sellars are two works based on the plays. One may certainly notice that films based on plays are more difficult to make because the viewer will be prejudiced. The prejudice will be based on the idea that the film should be as good as a play and therefore be constantly compared on a subconscious level. In any case, these two works did an excellent job of conveying the main idea using various visual methods. Moreover, the works, although made based on already existing pieces, have their characteristics, which were transferred to the viewer. Moreover, the works have master acting, well-chosen settings, and thoughtful development of the plot. The authors used the technological possibilities of light, the selection of costumes, and other visual effects to convey the main idea. For example, in The Seven Deadly Sins (Sellars, 1993), different lighting is used for each sin, which highlights the message. If talking about the role of the city in the works, then in The Seven Deadly Sins, it is more similar to settings, and in Ten Blocks on the Camino Real (Williams, 1966), it plays a central role.
The authors have done a significant job of referring to each city and identifying social characteristics in The Seven Deadly Sins. At first glance, it may seem that the representation of cities and the connection with the seven sins is grotesque and abstract. Moreover, one might think that the cities are used only as a means of representation and not as a real reference. However, if one analyzes this study, one might conclude that cities have their purpose of conveying particular ideas (Klein 45). For example, in Memphis, the second Anna became a cabaret dancer, that is, she undressed for money. Thus, the authors show the reverse side of capitalism, when wealth is concentrated in certain individuals, and other people have to do different things to earn money. In Los Angeles, two Annas take jobs at a film studio, where, after being abused, the other Anna gets angry and nearly gets fired. As already noted, Peter Sellars added technological features to the picture and used some directorial techniques. For example, specific lighting and costumes were used for each depiction of sin, giving contrast to each part. In addition, it is worth noting the method of displaying one person with two characters. This technique allowed the author to effectively convey the image of Anna, the features of her person, and through the prism of the character and sins, the spirit of US cities.
Location in Ten Blocks on the Camino Real may be a reference to the King’s Highway in Brooklyn, reflecting some of the characteristics of the area. However, the location seems fictional, being an imaginary Latin American city. The author masterfully conveyed the atmosphere and flavor of a dysfunctional area, where people do everything to make money. Various goods are sold there, including brochures with obscene images, and vagrants and gypsies walk around. This setting contains the main character, Kilroy, an allegorical figure through which the author depicts the interaction of society and settings. His characteristics are courage and naivety, the combination of which is ideal for an ironic representation of the spirit of the location. Being appeasable, the inhabitants of El Camino use Kilroy, including the gypsy, whose virginity is renewed with every fiesta. The adventures of Kilroy are the author’s idea to present the viewer with an innocent reaction to cynicism and social disadvantage.
Talking about how The Seven Deadly Sins and Ten Blocks on the Camino Real are similar or different, one may highlight several points. It is worth noting that the works have different characteristics such as plot, setting, and characters. It is formulated by the way the authors convey the main idea and by the idea itself. For example, in The Seven Deadly Sins, the main purpose was to represent the spirit of the cities and the main character with the help of such techniques as two actors and different settings. In turn, in Ten Blocks on the Camino Real, the emphasis was on conveying the image of a dysfunctional social sphere through the prism of a special character. It correlates with the idea of an “imaginary city”, namely, exaggerating some features to represent the sense. However, in both works, it is the city and cities that are not just a setting but, to some extent, another character. This feature unifies the selected works, although the method of using the settings varies.
To conclude, The Seven Deadly Sins and Ten Blocks on the Camino Real are relevant works as they transmit topical ideas. The relationship of a person with society, the features of the inner world of an individual, and the characteristic features of cities are complex topics in which there are many unsolved questions. Through the prism of the above points, one has the opportunity to display many problems, including the problem of urban life. Speaking about what these works can say about urban life, the answer lies in the plots of the pieces. More precisely, each city has specific characteristics and disadvantages that may affect certain individuals. In addition, in the case of harmony between the person and the city, life for one will be comfortable. Real cities do not have such exaggerated characteristics that are used, as already indicated, to convey the idea. However, it is difficult to argue that each real city has its unique atmosphere and philosophy, which was also conveyed in the works.
Work Cited
Klein, Gabriele. Pina Bausch’s Dance Theater: Company, Artistic Practices and Reception. Transcript Verlag, 2020.