In the film Adjustment Bureau, written and directed by George Nolfi. A key idea that is explored through out this film is “Are you in control of your own fate”. Nolfi portrays this concept through out the film with his use of sounds and music, dialogue and lighting.Nolfi depicts the idea that David the main charcter is not in control of his own fate and cannot be altered no matter the outcome.
In the final scene Nolfi uses lighting to express David and Elise’s emotions.When they are caught up on the roof with the adjustment officers the sky is very low key,gloomy and dark toned this automatically makes you think that something dreary is about to happen.They take their final kiss and express their love for each other. Their glance then switches to their surrondings.Realsing the adjustment officers have dissapered, the lighting suddenly blends into a high key soft glow in the sky which portrays that there is hope for the future.Lighting is a important technique in films as it sets the scene such as when it is low key lighting it makes the scene more dramatic and intense which leaves the viewer on the edge on their seat with alot of suspense compared to when it is high key the scenes are usaully percived more bright and happy.
Sound and music is another way to portray emotion. Music can be used to create the perfect atmosphere in a particular scene, by setting the right tone and mood for the plot moment.Just by the way music comes into the movie you can depict the level of drama or the atmosphere or mood the scene is going to portray. In the ending scene the music makes it sound like there is no hope for David and Elise’s future together but as the scene carrys on the lighting changes and so does the sound track showing that their is hope for their future together.When there is no dialogue the music is the main sound but when there is dialogue the music moves to background noise. This is so when there is dialogue you are more focused on what they are saying but the background noise depicts the mood and atmosphere of the scene.
Dialogue is being used by the director in this scene to show the emotion of the character through their use of language On the rooftop Harry appears and applauds David and Elise for their devotion to each other. Harry says “David, you risked everything for Elise and Elise when you walked through the doors of the statue of liberty you risked everything as well. You inspired me.” Harry is explaing in this quote that he is proud of everything they have acheived together and fought against the plan and their pre determined fate for a free will.
To conclude it is easy to see how music,lighting and dialogue are important features in getting a key message across “Are you in control of your own fate.” These three features have a effect on the emotion of the viewer in a sense of drama and connection with the characters.
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