“Prisoners”: Movie Analysis

Via No Film School:

One of the things I appreciate about cinema is that films are enigmatic. Many times the films we see when we’re kicking back and watching as passive spectators are not the same films we see when we sit up, pen and pad in hand, and unfurl the cinematic message in its entirety. This video essay by Darren of Must See Films attempts to unearth all of the subtle ways director Denis Villeneuve and legendary DP Roger Deakins try to communicate through the film Prisoners. It breaks down many aspects of the film, like the blocking, costuming, and aesthetic choices, as well as its symbolism, motifs, and patterns, offering a richer, more well-rounded understanding of not only the film itself, but of just how complex and intricate visual storytelling actually is.

Here is the video:

It’s a really strong piece of analysis and echoes many of the themes and dynamics I explored in my February 2104 interview with Prisoners screenwriter Aaron Guzikowski which you can read here. But I can hear some of you asking this: Do I really need to dig into movies to this degree of analysis?

You may have seen my 1, 2, 7, 14 formula to be a better and more productive screenwriter. The second point references watching movies. Here is what I wrote:

2: Watch 2 movies per week.

Go to a theater and watch 1 movie for sheer entertainment value. Rub shoulders with a real crowd to remind you of your target audience. Then cue up Netflix or pop in a DVD, and watch 1 movie to study it. Note its major plot points. Better yet, do a scene-by-scene breakdown. Maybe 1 new movie, 1 classic movie. But every week, watch at least 2 feature-length movies.

Two movies per week. For one, kick back, relax and let the story wash over you. But for the other one, bust out your note pad, pen, timer, remote control, and break down that story. Look for symbols and themes. Note transitions between scenes. Track subplots. In other words, analyze the shit out of it.

Next week is a perfect opportunity to flex your analytical muscles for one of the scripts we will be considering in the 30 Days of Screenplays challenge is Prisoners. Why not commit to watching the movie and reading the script? Don’t put it off, commit now to do that next week! Heck, you want a real education? Read the script while you watch the movie!

You don’t have to end up with a 32 minute video. But you should be able to dig below the story’s surface and see at least some of the story’s constituent parts, subtleties, and symbolism. That is, if you want to learn what you need to know to be a professional screenwriter.

It’s up to you.

For the No Film School article, go here.

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