Pleasantville Film Analysis Essay - 765 Words

The film Pleasantville directed by Gary Ross is about two modern teenagers, David and his sister Jennifer, somehow being transported into the television, ending up in Pleasantville, a 1950s black and white sitcom. The two are trapped as Bud and Mary Sue in a radically different dimension and make some huge changes to the bland lives of the citizens of Pleasantville, with the use of the director’s cinematic techniques. Ross cleverly uses cinematic techniques such as colour, mise-en-scene, camera shots, costumes, music and dialogue to effectively tell the story. The town of Pleasantville is dull and this is reflected by its lack of colour - the town is completely black and white. Black and white life is simple and uncomplicated. However†¦show more content†¦Everyone in Pleasantville had a routine which was strictly followed day to day. Everyone wore the same style of clothes. Even the houses were the same, with picket fences adorning houses and everyone having the same car. Ross uses mise-en-scene to contrast idealistic, conservative American views and reality. He highlights the fact that the people of Pleasantville like everything to be kept to a routine. Their world has little time for change and is a complete contrast to realistic America. Fifties clothing was conservative. Men wore gray flannel suits and women wore dresses with pinched in waists and high heels. Gender roles were strongly held. Families worked together, played together and vacationed together at family themed entertainment. Indecent language was not used frequently. The biggest issue with reference to language used was the frequent use of God as an exclamation or declaration. Camera shots and angles are also used by Ross as a cinematic technique. The lack of engagement in class of a close up of David’s face is an example. David’s face show the expression of boredom and tiredness, as he listens to the teacher talk. Another example of a camera technique is the close up of David asking out a girl. It shows the strength and courage David has in him, but a long shot shows us that the girl is hundreds of meters away. This conveys that David is too socially inept toShow MoreRelatedPleasantville Analysis of Film Techniques against the Theme of Change2162 Words   |  9 PagesHow are we made aware of the filmmakers attitude towards change? Refer to three specific episodes from the film. (excl. concl. stages)In Pleasantville, the filmmaker, Gary Ross, conveys his attitude towards change through the characters of David and Jennifer who are transported into the 1950s sitcom Pleasantville. He doesnt necessarily demonstrate change to bear a positive res ult; rather, he addresses that change is essential to the development of society and self and that it is important toRead MorePleasantville1586 Words   |  7 PagesTiffany Niemiller November 15th, 2010 Utopia/Dystopia Dr. Viau Pleasantville Pleasantville is a great movie with many hidden messages. The not so obvious but informative messages are one of best aspects of this nineties flick. The special effects are impressive considering this movie is indeed from the nineties. Pleasantville touches base on many actual conflicts in America and throughout history in the most subtle but blunt way. My favorite thing about this movie is how it takes this blindRead MoreColor Change In Pleasantville889 Words   |  4 PagesPleasantville Analysis Essay In Pleasantville, Gary Ross uses â€Å"Across the Universe† In order to highlight the characters acceptance of their new world of change. The lyrics â€Å"Nothings gonna change my world† defines the thought process of the characters from Pleasantville. The instrument used in these defining words is the idea that, as much as the world around a person changes, the person will picture the happy days that they have experienced. The expression on the casts faces is the brief look