HW 1a - Existing film still analysis (DYM)

The Passion of The Christ (2004)

The Narrative

• In the foreground, we see Jim Caviezel (Jesus Christ), covered in blood. This contrasts to the very grey and almost boring background and makes the character stand out and appear to be of great importance. This shows that the character is important and also suggests that there is great conflict and differences between the character and the “norm” as even the colours don’t mix.

• The emptiness of the shot shows how isolated the character may have felt at the time.

• The use of the colour red in the form of blood on the character illustrates the harsh treatment of the character and also suggests how powerful this character is as red is associated with power and war.

• The use of chiaroscuros techniques shows how pure the character is as the rest of the shot is greyed out and only the character is in colour/ the light. This shows how morally correct the character is despite the harsh environment that he is in.

The Genre

• The audience’s expectations of a historical drama is gratified through the use of costumes and props synonymous with the story of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ in the Bible.

• The use of juxtaposition between the grey, bland cloudy background and the vibrant red character makes the audience focus more on the character and try and imagine what they felt like, a level of focus with the characters that dramas love to achieve.

• There is much empty space in the shot, this creates a sense of loneliness and allows the audience to feel immersed in the scene as it gives a insightful look into the time with the slightly low angle shot.

The Audience

• The key themes of the film are the battle, both mental and physical, between the character and the rest of the world as this weak looking character is being brutally punished. This suggests that this character must be very strong or influential due to the fact that he has been treated in this barbaric manner.

• The audience may empathise for the character as he is being brutally punished; the contrast in colour makes the red blood stand out. This makes the audience wonder why the character is being treated like this and whether or not he truly deserves it.

• The audience may also be questioning as they are not able to tell is the character is dead or alive, this may make the audience worried or intrigued.