Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which cinematic technique is MOST instrumental in conveying the emotional weight of labor in the documentary Ascension?
Which cinematic technique is MOST instrumental in conveying the emotional weight of labor in the documentary Ascension?
- Long periods of silence during scenes of factory work. (correct)
- Animated sequences illustrating production quotas.
- Detailed narration explaining the economic policies.
- Extensive use of direct interviews with factory workers.
How does the film Ascension use color to distinguish between different social classes within China?
How does the film Ascension use color to distinguish between different social classes within China?
- Brighter colors are used to depict the lower classes, symbolizing their optimism.
- Factory scenes are filled with bright colors, butler training with muted colors, and corporate events with blue tints. (correct)
- Muted colors represent the working class, while vibrant colors are used for the upper class.
- Color is used randomly throughout the film to avoid any possible class association.
In Ascension, what is the significance of aerial shots depicting mass consumerism, such as the yellow bikes or pink pool floaties?
In Ascension, what is the significance of aerial shots depicting mass consumerism, such as the yellow bikes or pink pool floaties?
- They symbolize the freedom and leisure available to Chinese citizens.
- They are used to promote tourism and attract foreign investment.
- They highlight the efficiency of China's manufacturing and distribution systems.
- They visually represent the overwhelming scale and absurdity of mass production and consumption. (correct)
How does the sequencing of scenes in Ascension contribute to the film's overall argument about China's economic development?
How does the sequencing of scenes in Ascension contribute to the film's overall argument about China's economic development?
What does the director Jessica Kingdom imply through the limited dialogue in Ascension?
What does the director Jessica Kingdom imply through the limited dialogue in Ascension?
What is the MOST likely reason for including the scene with the caged ostrich in Ascension?
What is the MOST likely reason for including the scene with the caged ostrich in Ascension?
How do the contrasting musical scores in Ascension enhance the film's message?
How do the contrasting musical scores in Ascension enhance the film's message?
What is the director's primary purpose in depicting the military recruits performing synchronized exercises?
What is the director's primary purpose in depicting the military recruits performing synchronized exercises?
What does the statement “Wealth only goes to people who deserve it,” said by the CEO at the corporate event, MOST likely represent in the context of Ascension?
What does the statement “Wealth only goes to people who deserve it,” said by the CEO at the corporate event, MOST likely represent in the context of Ascension?
How does the film's portrayal of the butler training sequence contribute to its critique of Chinese society?
How does the film's portrayal of the butler training sequence contribute to its critique of Chinese society?
What is the main purpose of Kingdom's structural decision to include contrasting scenes, such as the butler trainee napping in luxury followed by the janitor's rest at an empty table?
What is the main purpose of Kingdom's structural decision to include contrasting scenes, such as the butler trainee napping in luxury followed by the janitor's rest at an empty table?
In Ascension, the transition from focused factory workers to distant shots of consumers at leisure MOST effectively conveys:
In Ascension, the transition from focused factory workers to distant shots of consumers at leisure MOST effectively conveys:
Which element of mise-en-scène is MOST effective in conveying the upper class and corporate setting in the final sequence of Ascension?
Which element of mise-en-scène is MOST effective in conveying the upper class and corporate setting in the final sequence of Ascension?
What is the MOST accurate interpretation of the poem at the beginning of Ascension in relation to the film's themes?
What is the MOST accurate interpretation of the poem at the beginning of Ascension in relation to the film's themes?
How does the director's choice to avoid direct interviews and narration create a sense of ambiguity in Ascension?
How does the director's choice to avoid direct interviews and narration create a sense of ambiguity in Ascension?
Which of the following statements BEST encapsulates the overarching argument of Ascension?
Which of the following statements BEST encapsulates the overarching argument of Ascension?
What is the primary purpose of using abstract cinematography throughout Ascension?
What is the primary purpose of using abstract cinematography throughout Ascension?
What is one potential critique of Kingdom's representational choices?
What is one potential critique of Kingdom's representational choices?
How might the film Ascension be interpreted as a commentary on globalization?
How might the film Ascension be interpreted as a commentary on globalization?
In Ascension, why does Kingdom choose to focus largely on a visual medium for the documentary?
In Ascension, why does Kingdom choose to focus largely on a visual medium for the documentary?
How does Kingdom use rhetoric throughout the documentary?
How does Kingdom use rhetoric throughout the documentary?
What does Ascension imply about China's version of 'The American Dream'?
What does Ascension imply about China's version of 'The American Dream'?
How does the aerial shot of a man walking on the edge of a rooftop pool at the start of Kingdom's documentary speak to the social and economic climate of China?
How does the aerial shot of a man walking on the edge of a rooftop pool at the start of Kingdom's documentary speak to the social and economic climate of China?
In order, what classes are displayed throughout Ascension?
In order, what classes are displayed throughout Ascension?
What does the author mean by China bowing to 'corporate gods'?
What does the author mean by China bowing to 'corporate gods'?
Flashcards
Ascend
Ascend
To go up or climb, often implying advancement or rising to a higher position.
China's Economic Ascension
China's Economic Ascension
China's rapid economic growth and increasing global influence since the late 20th century.
Ascension (2021) Documentary
Ascension (2021) Documentary
A film that critiques China's pursuit of economic success and its effects on society.
Pathos in 'Ascension'
Pathos in 'Ascension'
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Limited Dialogue
Limited Dialogue
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Color Symbolism
Color Symbolism
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Sequencing in "Ascension"
Sequencing in "Ascension"
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Capitalistic Frenzy
Capitalistic Frenzy
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Logos in 'Ascension'
Logos in 'Ascension'
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Split-second Visibility
Split-second Visibility
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Critique of 'Chinese Dream'
Critique of 'Chinese Dream'
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Study Notes
- Ascension (2021) explores China's rapid economic growth and its effects on society through a critical lens.
- The film uses limited dialogue, cinematography, music, and color to convey its message.
- It examines the pursuit of the "Chinese Dream" and the implications of unchecked capitalism.
Limited Dialogue
- Much of the film, especially factory scenes, is silent, reflecting the prioritization of production over individuality.
- When dialogue occurs, it's often from authority figures, highlighting a power dynamic where subordinates are meant to listen.
- The focus is on the work being done rather than the people doing it.
Pathos
- The film utilizes abstract visuals to evoke emotion and contemplation.
- Aerial shots of a rooftop pool symbolize the precariousness of the upper class.
- Mass consumerism is depicted through images like countless bikes and tightly packed pool floats.
- An ostrich in captivity represents the objectification of living beings for entertainment and profit.
- Military recruits performing synchronized exercises underscore the emphasis on conformity and relentless pursuit of advancement.
- Visual and audio cues enhance the emotional impact.
- "Spunky" music in factory scenes contrasts with eerie music during leisure scenes, suggesting a disconnect and underlying unease.
Color & Filtering
- Color choices and filtration convey different social strata.
- Factories have vibrant colors, highlighting the workers' dedication.
- Butler training scenes use muted, "classy" colors (blacks, reds, golds, blues) to represent wealth.
- A corporate event is bathed in blue, symbolizing status, wealth, and perceived superiority.
- The CEO proclaiming "Wealth only goes to people who deserve it" reinforces the film's critique.
Sequencing
- The film is divided into sections that depict various class statuses, showcasing the slow climb into a materialistic economy.
- Opening job searches and factory scenes lead to glimpses of factory workers, security trainees, and etiquette learners.
- Corporate employees are shown chanting their dedication to the company, reflecting a culture of corporate worship.
- A shift occurs from the focused work scenes to those receiving service, highlighting the imbalance and the often unnoticed labor behind it.
- By contrasting working-class citizens alongside those that enjoy the product of their work, the documentary uses logos to appeal to the audience's understanding of capital madness.
Conclusion
- Uses visuals and rhetoric to convey its message.
- Limited dialogue reflects the country’s one-sided goals.
- Artistic shots appeal to pathos.
- Sequenced formatting is evidence of the capitalist agenda.
- Mass consumerism is ever-present throughout China’s ascent to reach the ‘Chinese Dream’.
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