Representation in Film Analysis

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Questions and Answers

What is the term for a character representation that is designed to convey a particular type of person without making it explicit?

Stereotyping

Coded (correct)

Misrepresentation

What is the primary purpose of the representation of gender in Casablanca?

To depict the struggles of refugees

To promote American involvement in WWII (correct)

To showcase traditional gender roles

To subvert traditional gender roles

What is the term for the 'tart with a heart' character representation in Casablanca?

Femme Fatale

The Sex Siren

Damsel in Distress

Redemption of a Fallen Woman (correct)

What film element is used to signify feminine ideals in Casablanca?

Cinematography Signup and view all the answers

What is the character trait of Victor Laszlo in Casablanca?

Traditional male heroism Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the 'La Marseillaise' sequence in Casablanca?

To redeem Yvonne's character Signup and view all the answers

How does the representation of gender in Casablanca relate to traditional tropes?

It reinforces traditional gender roles Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Annina's character in the context of traditional gender representation?

She is a damsel in distress Signup and view all the answers

What is notable about the number of American-born actors in the film Casablanca?

There are only three Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Brandels' representation in the film?

They are coded as Jewish and in need of help Signup and view all the answers

How is Sam, the only Black character, represented in the film?

As a free individual, but still subordinate to Rick Signup and view all the answers

What is notable about Signor Ferrari's character in the film?

He is an organized crime figure with multiple business interests Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of smoking in the film?

It conveys American identity and nonchalance Signup and view all the answers

How is Captain Louis Renault's character represented in the film?

As a charming and disarming character with a different morality Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Leuchtags' character in the film?

They are coded as Jewish and in need of help Signup and view all the answers

What is notable about the film's production staff?

Many were Jewish or of European Jewish heritage Signup and view all the answers

How is Major Strasser, the film's villain, represented in the film?

He is portrayed as a Nazi officer Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Conrad Veidt's casting in the film?

He was a German Jewish actor who fled the Nazis Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Viktor's character in Casablanca?

Symbolizing central European civility and civilization Signup and view all the answers

How does the film 'Do The Right Thing' represent African American identity?

Through a wide variety of characters and overlapping themes Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Mother Sister's character in 'Do The Right Thing'?

She represents the matriarchal and maternal aspects of African American identity Signup and view all the answers

How does the character of Sal Frangione represent Italian-American identity?

As a caricature of Italian-American identity Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Clifton's Celtics jersey in 'Do The Right Thing'?

It represents his Irish-American identity Signup and view all the answers

How does Radio Raheem's character represent African American identity in 'Do The Right Thing'?

As an embodiment of negritude Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the 'Wall of Fame' in 'Do The Right Thing'?

It is a symbol of Italian-American pride Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the score when Mother Sister speaks in 'Do The Right Thing'?

To evoke The South Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Charlie's character in 'Do The Right Thing'?

He foreshadows the film's climax Signup and view all the answers

How does the film 'Casablanca' represent European identity?

Through a nuanced representation of multiple ethnicities Signup and view all the answers

What does Perez' intro sequence represent in the context of the film?

Black resistance Signup and view all the answers

What is significant about Mother Sister's speech patterns and score in the film?

They link her to the South Signup and view all the answers

What is notable about Jade's character in the film?

She supports Mookie financially and has agency Signup and view all the answers

What is Ella's character type in the film?

Traditional feminine empath Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Radio Raheem's character in the film?

He is a toxic male character who is unable to be a heroic protector Signup and view all the answers

What is the ideological dimension of the representation of ethnicity in Casablanca?

It is attempting to act in opposition to Nazi ideology Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the costume design in the film?

It signifies the characters' cultural backgrounds and identities Signup and view all the answers

What is the common thread among the characters of Mookie, Sal, and Radio Raheem?

They are all flawed characters who are unable to escape their social situations Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Da Mayor's character in the film?

He is damaged through experience but redeems himself Signup and view all the answers

What is the representation of Jade's character in the film?

Not a damsel in distress and requires no saving Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of Major Strasser's villainy in the film Casablanca?

His status and power as a Nazi Signup and view all the answers

Which characters in Casablanca are influenced by the Film Noir genre?

Rick Blaine, Captain Renault, and Ilsa Signup and view all the answers

What does Rick's costume signify in the film Casablanca?

His heroic qualities and moral character Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of smoking in the film Casablanca?

It conveys a form of careless machismo and social intercourse Signup and view all the answers

How is Ilsa represented in the film Casablanca?

As a noir-ish character with a complex past Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern of the film Do The Right Thing?

The critique of toxic masculinity Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Mother Sister in the film Do The Right Thing?

She is a rounded character with a complex personality Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the script homage from 'Night of the Hunter' in Do The Right Thing?

It renders Radio Raheem as a tragically violence-prone individual Signup and view all the answers

How are Radio Raheem and Pino represented in the film Do The Right Thing?

As deeply antagonistic opposites whose machismo creates disruption Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of costume choices in the film Casablanca?

They are used to signify power and intention Signup and view all the answers

What is significant about Pino's costume in the film?

It is starkly opposite to the community he is in Signup and view all the answers

What is notable about Buggin' Out's intelligence in the film?

It is corrupted by his situation Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the camera angles used in the scene with Clifton?

They do not apply the normal rules about low angles conferring inferiority Signup and view all the answers

What is the nature of the commentary provided by Sweet Dick Willie, Coconut Sid, and ML?

It is corrosive and laced with toxic sexuality and impotent threats of violence Signup and view all the answers

What is the character arc of Da Mayor in the film?

He is redeemed and earns his place as the patriarch of the block Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Smiley's final act in the film?

It represents him as a character whose only voice is destruction Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of Ahamad's behavior in the film?

Unthinking male arrogance Signup and view all the answers

What is the nature of Sal's character in the film?

He is a complex character who cleaves to Italian machismo and high-energy confrontation Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Mister Señor Love Daddy's character in the film?

He is a chorus who comments on the action from his studio Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Vito's costume choices in the film?

They seem to infantilize him Signup and view all the answers

What is significant about Stevie's gang in the film?

They are marked out by costume and music Signup and view all the answers

What is notable about Tina's character in the film?

She is Puerto Rican and represents Blackness Signup and view all the answers

What is significant about the police characters in the film?

They represent a diverse ethnic group Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the broom in the film?

It's a significant prop in the context of the story Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the casting choices in the police characters?

They are all played by actors of different ethnicities Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between the representation of ethnicity in Do The Right Thing and Casablanca?

Casablanca has more complex representations of ethnicity Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the 'wall of fame' photographs in Do The Right Thing?

They are a model for behaviour and success Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the searchlight in Casablanca?

To represent the vigilance and surveillance of powerful forces Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Free French cross in Casablanca?

It's a symbol of French resistance Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the film form in Do The Right Thing?

To convey meaning and ideology Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the picture of the Colosseum in the conversation between Vito and Mookie?

It symbolizes the hope and solace of Italian Americans Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of the low-key lighting, partially obscured face, and venetian blinds in the scene where Ilsa watches Victor leave?

It connotes the genre of Film Noir Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the stylized set for Rosie Perez to dance in at the opening of Do The Right Thing?

To link the film to black music culture Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of the crane shots in both films?

To place individuals within a wider picture Signup and view all the answers

How does the score of Casablanca impact the film?

It helps to emphasize the scale of the unfolding drama Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of the use of fish-eye lenses in Do The Right Thing?

It distorts faces to emphasize their failures Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the inclusion of La Marseillaise in Casablanca?

It is designed to have both emotional and political impact Signup and view all the answers

How does the cinematography of Do The Right Thing convey meaning?

Through the use of heat-haze to create a sense of tension Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the use of music video-like editing in Do The Right Thing?

To link the film to black music culture Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the final crane shot in Casablanca?

It makes the characters appear small and insignificant Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Isenheim Altarpiece in the context of art history?

It is considered a masterpiece of German art and is oftentimes referred to as 'German art's Sistine Chapel'. Signup and view all the answers

How is Christ represented in the Isenheim Altarpiece?

Christ is depicted in a gruesome and realistic manner, with his physical torment and suffering evident in his contorted fingers, straining arms, and malnourished body. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Lamb of God in the Isenheim Altarpiece?

The Lamb of God is a symbol of sacrifice, echoing how Jesus is sacrificing himself. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the multi-panelled altarpiece?

The different positions of the altarpiece were meant to be displayed on specific holy days, with the closed position showing a crucifixion scene and the middle position featuring a resurrection scene. Signup and view all the answers

What is the atmosphere created by the rapidly darkening sky and the barren landscape in the Isenheim Altarpiece?

The atmosphere created is ominous and foreboding, emphasizing the gravity of Christ's suffering. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Virgin Mary's highly illuminated form in the Isenheim Altarpiece?

The Virgin Mary's highly illuminated form is meant to draw the viewer's attention to her distress-stricken face, emphasizing her emotional response to Christ's suffering. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Isenheim Altarpiece convey the importance and power of the divine?

The altarpiece conveys the importance and power of the divine by depicting Christ's suffering and hierarchical status, as well as the emotional response of the figures on the left, who are helpless without Christ. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the figure of St John the Baptist in the Isenheim Altarpiece?

The figure of St John the Baptist is 'foreshadowing the triumph of the Resurrection', according to Huysmans. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Roman lettering above St John the Baptist's pointed hand?

The Roman lettering says 'he must increase, and I must decrease', proclaiming the resurrection and rising of Christ. Signup and view all the answers

Who commissioned the Isenheim Altarpiece and where was it originally located?

The Isenheim Altarpiece was commissioned by the Antonite order for their monastic complex at Isenheim, a village about 15 miles south of Colmar. Signup and view all the answers

What was the specialty of the Antonine monks of the monastery in Isenheim?

The care of plague sufferers and treatment of skin diseases, such as ergotism. Signup and view all the answers

What was Guido Guersi's commission to Grunewald?

A series of wings for the sculpted shrine of the high altar. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Grunewald depict a suffering Christ in the altarpiece?

To provide a relatable figure to the patients, giving them hope and reassurance of salvation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of St Sebastian and St Anthony in the altarpiece?

They are both protectors and healers of the sick. Signup and view all the answers

How does Grunewald's depiction of Christ differ from Italian Renaissance portrayals?

Grunewald's Christ is shown as suffering, whereas Italian Renaissance depictions glorified and idealized Christ's body. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the crucifixion scene in the altarpiece?

It provides a point of identification for the patients, offering them hope and reassurance of salvation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Christ's arm being severed from the rest of his body if the left panel were opened?

It emphasizes Christ's suffering and creates a sense of connection with the patients. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the quote 'the more the flesh is wasted by affliction, so much the more is the spirit strengthened by inward grace'?

It suggests that suffering can be a form of spiritual strengthening, offering hope to the patients. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Grunewald's altarpiece in the context of the Protestant Reformation?

It anticipates the Protestant Reformation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Grunewald's depiction of Christ's suffering?

To offer the patients a relatable figure, providing them with hope and reassurance of salvation. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Representation of Gender in Casablanca

Traditional gender representation: Damsel in distress (Annina and Ilsa) and redemption of a fallen woman (Yvonne)
Ilsa is a more complex character, subverting the femme fatale trope, with a mix of traditional feminine ideals and more modern, noir-ish qualities
Victor Laszlo represents traditional male heroism, while Major Strasser embodies traditional male villainy
Rick Blaine is an anti-hero, with a mix of heroic and cynical qualities, represented through costume, lighting, and performance

Representation of Ethnicity in Casablanca

Ethnicity is a key aspect of the film's representation, with an ideological dimension in opposition to Nazi ideology
The film features a diverse cast, with many European Jewish actors and production staff
Annina and her husband are coded as Jewish, represented as good and in need of help
Sam, the only Black character, is American and represented as a free individual, but beneath Rick in status
Signor Ferrari and Signor Ugarte are represented as untrustworthy and morally ambiguous non-white characters
Captain Louis Renault embodies a set of attitudes about the French, with a morality that is different from other ethnicities

Representation of Gender in Do The Right Thing

The film explores toxic masculinity, with characters like Radio Raheem, Pino, and Buggin' Out representing different forms of machismo
Mookie and Sal are flawed characters, unable to escape their social and cultural situations
Tina is trapped and reduced to impotent rage, while Jade is more independent and assertive
Mother Sister is a key character, representing Afro-Latino femininity and a matriarchal tradition

Representation of Ethnicity in Do The Right Thing

The film features a diverse cast, with four major ethnicities: African American, Italian American, Latinx, and Korean
African American identity is represented through a variety of characters, including Mister Señor Love Daddy, Da Mayor, and Radio Raheem
Mister Señor Love Daddy represents an idealized African American, with a confident performance and mise-en-scène that reflects pride in his heritage
Da Mayor represents a character who has been beaten down by oppression, but still retains dignity
Radio Raheem embodies negritude, with a conscious pride in blackness represented through costume and performance### Representation of Ethnicities
Mother Sister represents the matriarchal and maternal aspects of African American identity
The Frangione family are almost caricatures of Italian American identity, but the two Italian American actors playing the roles felt comfortable with the representation
Irish American: Clifton wears a Celtics jersey, marking him as Irish American and an outsider
Latinx: Specifically Puerto Rican, represented through costume and music, and placed down the social scale
Tina is Puerto Rican, and her status as both Black and Latinx demonstrates that ethnicity is not simple

Character Analysis

Sal uses food as a proxy for love and has a performance that moves quickly from placidity to irritation to threats of violence
Charlie, played by Italian American Frank Vincent, has a similar costume and performance to Sal, and his threats backfire on him
Stevie's gang appears a few times in the film, marked out by costume and music, and are bested by Raheem
Sonny, the Korean shopkeeper, is regularly harassed and abused by the black residents of Bed-Stuy

Film Form and Techniques

Mise-en-scène is used to convey meaning and ideology in both Casablanca and Do The Right Thing
Symbolic elements are incorporated into the frame, such as the "wall of fame" photographs in Do The Right Thing
The use of lighting, shadows, and camera angles creates different genres and atmospheres, such as Film Noir in Casablanca
The use of music and sound tracking conveys meaning and ideology, such as the score in Casablanca and "Fight the Power" in Do The Right Thing

The Isenheim Altarpiece

The Isenheim Altarpiece is a large, multi-panelled polyptych composed of 10 painted panels and a predella, displayed separately in the chapel at the Unterlinden Museum at Colmar, Alsace.
The altarpiece is considered "German art's Sistine Chapel" (Jonathan Jones).

Purpose of an Altarpiece

An altarpiece conveys whether the piece is narrative or not (this one is narrative).
It is used for decoration in the church or chapel.
It helps worshippers know who they are praying to.

Figures in the Altarpiece

Jesus Christ
Virgin Mary (in white)
Mary Magdalene
John the Baptist
St John the Evangelist
Lamb of God

Representation of Christ

Christ is depicted in a gruesome and realistic manner, conveying his physical torment.
His body is malnourished, and his arms are contorted in agony.
His lips and feet have turned blue due to blood loss.
His lower legs are green-tinged, and his body has been punctured by thorns.
Christ's body forms an inverted triangle shape.
The dark, navy blue background contrasts with the brightly coloured clothing of the other figures.

Symbolism and Themes

The Lamb of God symbolizes sacrifice, echoing Christ's sacrifice.
The figures on the left are helpless without Christ, emphasizing his importance and power.
Virgin Mary and Mary Magdalene's hands are clenched in prayer.
Mary Magdalene has prematurely aged due to the torment she is experiencing.
The figure of St John the Baptist foreshadows the triumph of the Resurrection.

Artistic Features

Grünewald uses hierarchical scale to reinforce Christ's importance, status, and power.
The dramatic use of light and dark creates a striking tonal contrast, highlighting Christ's starved form.
The background's ominous atmosphere is created by the darkening sky, barren landscape, and unhealthy, green-tinged water.

Historical Context

The altarpiece was created between 1512 and 1516 for the Antonite order's monastic complex at Isenheim.
The Antonine monks specialized in caring for plague sufferers and treating skin diseases, such as ergotism.
The altarpiece was commissioned for the high altar of the hospital chapel in the Catholic monastery of St Anthony.

Significance of the Altarpiece

Grünewald's depiction of a suffering Christ provided a point of identification for the hospital patients.
The painting works therapeutically, offering reassurance and hope through Christ's ultimate triumph.
Suffering is seen as a form of therapy, strengthening inner resolve and commitment.

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Description

This quiz explores how representation is conveyed through film elements, including Mise-en-scène, Lighting, Performance, Sound, and Cinematography. Analyze how these elements shape and communicate meaning to the audience.