The movie “Girl Interrupted” is a film that delves into the complexities of mental illness, identity, and the search for its meaning. Its aesthetic fundamentals are deeply tied to its thematic exploration and narrative style. I used key ideas from the film such as setting and atmosphere, costume design, cinematography and visual composition, sound design and music and the structure or editing.
Through exploring the ideas for my project, I drew on ideas from the film Girl Interrupted. Some of the themes set in the movie such as being set in the late 1960s, mainly in the confines of a psychiatric institution (Stranger Things reference). The aesthetic shows the difference between the clinical environment of the hospital with the uncomfortable and changing cultural backdrop of the era. The colour palette and dim lighting contribute to the somber atmosphere, reflecting the internal struggles of the characters.
Another important idea drawn from the film, the costumes that reflect the time period and the state of mind of the characters (Show evidence in piece). Each clothing piece is reminiscent of the uniforms used in psychiatric institutions worn by the patients to the more outfits of a protagonist like Angelina Jolie or Winona Ryder’s character's individual and psychological states.
The cinematography of the movie shows many techniques to portray the characters’ emotional journeys (show evidence in piece). Using close-ups and intimate framing to capture nuances of their expressions and interactions, wider shots further encapsulate isolation and confinement in the institutions. Using handheld camera movements in the opening scene (describe scene) adds a sense of intimacy to the storytelling, letting viewers relate themselves to the different characters’ experiences.
The themes drawn from the soundtrack also inspired me to make my opening scene. The soundtrack uses a blend of pop songs from the 1960s, encouraging an audience to be emotional and resonate with parts of the film. The music is used in key moments that enhance emotion to the narrative of the film. Furthermore, the sound incorporates elements like silence, whispers and ambient noise to create an unsettling and claustrophobic atmosphere, reflecting the characters’ inner turmoil.
The film’s narrative follows through a series of vignettes, nonlinear storytelling, and flashbacks, this echoes the fragmented nature of memory and mental illness. The editing style mirrors the characters’ disjointed perceptions of reality, this blurs lines through past and present, fantasy and truth.
Overall, the aesthetic fundamentals of "Girl, Interrupted" serve to deepen the audience's engagement with its themes of mental health and personal growth, creating a visually and emotionally compelling cinematic experience.
Comments