Rain Techniques In Pather Panchali (Satyajit Ray

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In Pather Panchali (Satyajit Ray, 1955) the rain sequence is tremendously significant to the entirety of the story Ray, is known for his technical work and this scene is no different. Skillfully, Ray uses camera techniques, sound and editing to show Durga’s excitement of the rainstorm. Concurrently, it is also ironic considering Durga’s death only a few scenes after. Particularly, the editing choices for this sequence is interesting. Ray’s use of editing, combined with his sound design creates the same sense of curiosity, excitement and anticipation within his audience that he creates in his characters.
The first full minute and a half of this sequence of scenes starts with a compilation of different shots of nature mostly pertaining to water. The soundtrack accompanying these cuts are the leitmotif that recurs throughout the film. The leitmotif instantly connects the audience with Durga, as it play when she is on screen. Thus, before the audience sees her in this sequence, there is a sense that she is will appear. Ray shows Durga interacting frequently with the nature around her, whether it is stealing from the …show more content…

By doing so he creates a sense of excitement within the characters. Had they stayed at home Sarbajaya most likely would have made them stay inside and it would be as exciting. By opening the scene with a shot of the water to begin with, it does not feel out of place to the audience that the two would run here. Ray establishes the place, making it feel natural for the audience to believe they would run there.
However, it is also ironic that Ray chose water. Not only did he have his characters run to a body of water he has it raining as well. Water is typically a symbol of life and new life. Shortly, Durga will die from being out in the rain. Rain, which is supposed to be purifying and life giving is what ultimately kills the young

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