Wednesday, 24 September 2008

Migrain Analysis of "Knocked Up" Scene



M
The scene solely focuses on the dialogue of the characters in order to reflect the significance of the argument; diegetic sound is also demonstrated through the background noises such as hospital scanners etc. to establish realism as the heated "argument" complies with the seriousness of the hospital atmosphere.
The woman is wearing light colored clothing as she can be perceived to be an epitome of innocence and vulnerability in comparison to Ben whose dominance is apparent due to his raised voice and serious tone, thus illustrating her inferiority.
Long cuts are predominantly used in order to focus on the situation and emphasize its importance as a turning point in the film as Ben is now taking responsibility for his more dominant role in contrast to before, the length of each shot could also signify that Ben will now continuously adapt to this role.
The fact that there is also no combining shot of both characters substantiates their difference of opinion and the lack of unity in the decision eventually made, however the cut to the womans husband subsequent to the argument indicates that she still possesses the dominant role over him and a combining shot of both is used to somewhat represent the unity between them. Medium shots are predominantly used to emphasize their facial expressions and the emotion felt by each character which draws light upon the emotional situation of Alison giving birth.
High key lighting is also used to reflect the jovial atmosphere of Alison giving birth despite the argument transpiring, reminding the audience of the films comedic conventions.

I
The main ideology apparent are patriarchy, as Ben predominantly exhibits his dominance and superiority over Alison's sister.
Family and feminism can also be considered as Ben is now taking responsibility as a father and Alison's sister is concerned regarding the pregnancy due to their family ties. Feminists would argue that the scene shows the female as inferior and incapable to replace the role of the man at the time of birth as she becomes intimidated to some extent by his ascendancy over the situation.

G
The use of witty comments such as "I think i like him", " i'll tell security theres a crazy woman in a pink dress snatching up babies" and "I wish i'd gotten that on tape" all adhere to the comedic genre of the film despite the seriousness of the situation. The fact that Ben is also taking up his fatherly role complies with the familial and romance genre as it displays his concern for Alison and that he desires to be with her every step of the way.

R
The male is primarily represented as the superior sex in this scene, due to his ascendancy over the situation and his dominant tone which adheres to the traditional stereotype of the male being more dominant in the household and the woman being inferior to the man Alisons's sister is depicted as someone wo attempts to have the upper hand yet fails at the hands of a male thus making her vulnerable and weak which complies with the ideological stereotype of women having to serve men and having less control over decisions.

A
The audience are older teenagers and younger adults who are attracted by scenes of this nature as although its seriousness partially does not comply with the comedic conventions expected by them, it establishes a sense of realism and highlights contemporary issues regarding responsibility and men taking on their roles in society. Therefore it appeals to them if they wish to view it for surveillance or merely escapism.

I



N
The scene depicts the climax of the film where Alison finally gives birth and could to some extent adhere to Proppean narrative theory where Ben is portrayed as the hero who attempts to save his princess Alison and help her through her pain during labour. Furthermore, binary oppositions are apparent within the scene such as: Men vs Women, superiority vs inferiority, responsibility vs irresponsibility etc.

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