The Obvious and The Code

When I watch a film, it is typically the dialog, costumes, and character movement – aspects of mise-en-scene-- that play the most important role in constructing meaning from a scene. I never realized the importance of camera movement, but it is the subtlety of the codes that creates the strong impact in a scene. As Bellour states, when Vivian repeats, “I guess I am in love with you,” the audience feels the effect of this statement from its repetition. However, the arrangement of the shot subtly aids to the power of the dialog. In the first shot (shot 6), Vivian appears alone, making her vow of love seem lonely and unreciprocated. However when she repeats the vow in shot 10, the camera angles both Vivian and Marlow in the shot. When Marlow reiterates his affection, the following shot (shot 11) again shows Vivian alone. The back and forth between the framing of the characters in the scene emphasizes the their affection and reciprocation of feelings. The audience does not realize their feelings are manipulated through camera angle/movement, which is what makes it a powerful tool of the cinema.