Critical Essay

870 Words2 Pages

In today’s entertainment industry, films are aiming to be award winning films and thus, the highest grossing films. There are many aspects that films and creative creations can be the best in, from computer graphics and music to plot and acting. One of the major differences I see between films today and films in the past is the main aspect that they want to master in. Films like Life is Beautiful by Roberto Benigni fascinates viewers like me by its plot, in contrary, films like Avatar intrigues the viewers by its advanced computer graphics. However, I believe that a good film is based on a great plot-a plot that amazes the viewers. In Life is Beautiful, the plot is reinforced by great characters that exemplify Benigni’s intention. A comedic tragedy that explores the idea of the protective power of love and humour-Life is Beautiful-demonstrate its plot and theme through characterisation. Round characters like Guido and Joshua. The main protagonist is Eliseo who tries to protect his family through love and humor. Even in tough times like the Holocaust, Guido maintains his happiness. There are also characters such as Eliseo who is a flat stock character because we always see the elders as people with experience. In this particular case, Eliseo is the only one who sees the Holocaust and its danger. Moreover, Eliseo is a flat character because he retains his kindness until the end even with the Nazis. Other types of characters include stock characters such as Dr. Lessing, a person with power who does not recognise the sins that the Nazis are conducting. Dr. Lessing does not use his power, not even to help his friend. Characterisation reflect both the place and time that the film is referring to but also other aspects of the real so... ... middle of paper ... ...a comedic tone of romance in Rome to the traumatic tone of the concentration camp. Tones are created though both visuals and audio. The slow and low pitch music creates the tone and mood of suspense, danger and horror while when Guido goofs off there is always this repetitive funny rhythm. Similarly, the tone is created from the lighting and colour as well. The concentration camps and trucks are seen as a darker place whereas Rome is a bright and enthusiastic neighbourhood. This all foreshadows the horror of the camp and Guido’s unfortunate death. A film that is the epitome of how fantasy can become reality. A film that reflects my view of how film is used-I believe that film can transform imagination to reality. This is the film that extends the limit of heroism. Heroism is now the ability to maintain happiness even in harsh times. The film that inspired my dreams.

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