Well, we've finished our first movie. I really enjoyed it. I'm actually really happy that I took this class because I wouldn't have seen this movie otherwise. Moving on to the actual movie discussion, I really liked the way the ending was done. I know that Mr. Bennett mentioned that the butterfly scene was filmed after the original ending for the movie was done. I believe he said a different person's hand was used in the scene. I'm curious. How long after they had originally finished filming the movie did they decide to do this?
What I liked about this scene was that it wasn't just an ending. It was almost like a mini-story, told within the constraints of a minute. The hand is reaching for the one beautiful thing left in the world, but just as it reaches it, the hand stops and falls to the ground. Despite the fact that I've watched scenes similar to it in other movies, scenes like this always hit me straight on. The feeling of desperation oozes and you become hopeful that the character will be happy for a split second, even though you know that it's impossible. That's what hurts the most.
...I need to go watch something happier now. Maybe tonight I'll watch my favorite movie, Spirited Away.
I have never seen "Spirited Away." I'll put it on my list in the off chance that I need to be cheered up. Your point about the episodic nature of the film is correct, not just for the last scene, but for almost every scene. He filmed it soon after the actors went home. The butterfly was in the scene, just not the hand part. Orignailly, Paul was shown reaching over the parapet and is killed. Every year as I watch, I hope the ending will change and Paul and Kat will live. Imagine if that occurred??? There's an idea for a screenplay.
ReplyDeleteHm a mini story huh Kim. Interesting interesting! The way you put it reminded me of the "Eden of the East" opening. It kinda feels like it has the same mood. Also Mr.Bennett that is far too hopeful. If they didn't die it wouldn't feel like a conclusion because well where else would Paul go considering he doesn't feel the same in his old life. Also I question your opinion of Spirited Away as being happy but we will talk about that another time.
ReplyDeleteWell to be honest Spirited Away isn't the happiest movie in the world, but at least nobody...you know...DIES. Despite that it's a bit of a downer at times, in the end it's a very uplifting movie. It's an adventure, plain and simple. Not a journey around the world, but a journey into the main character. You kind of grow as she grows.
ReplyDelete@ Matt: Yeah, a happy ending just doesn't work for this movie. I find that it would kind of ruin the feeling that the movie was trying to portray.