Sunday, October 17, 2010

Camera Angles and Meanings from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory


At the beginning of the movie, as the kids run into the candy shop, the salesman is telling the children about Wonka's new candy. We are at the salesman's level as he introduces the new candy. But when a child asks, "How does he do it?" the director demonstrates the child's ignorance, and the salesman's wisdom by shooting the child at a higher angle as the salesman answers, "Do you ask a fish how it swims? Or a bird how it flys?".









This is the establishing shot for the scene that introduces the spoiled "I want it now" girl. She and her father are in the family owned factory, but the father has ordered the workers to unwrap Wonka bars. Why? Because the daughter wants the golden ticket... and she wants it NOW! 

The workers are shot from a high angle to indicate that they are powerless. They are completely under the control of the father, the factory owner. As he puts their jobs on the line with an order to accelerate the process he is shot from a low angle and we look up at him in his elevated office. The angle of the shot and the placement of his office are both communicating the power that the father holds over the workers.










This is the scene where Willy Wonka releases the group to freely explore "the nerve center" of his factory. Previously while he was explaining about the room the visitors were getting quite fidgety, but it remained clear that Wonka was the dominant force, keeping them from leaving his vicinity before they were released among the edible world. But as he bows to them, motioning they are free to roam and eat, he is shot from a higher angle, indicating his loss of power in the present moment among the group.















When blueberry girl begins to puff up, Wonka orders an Oompa Loompa to resolve the issue. The shot of Wonka making his request to the Loompa is yet again another high angle - emphasizing Wonka's power over the Loompa. The Oompa Loompas being short are also a visual representation of their power in comparison to Willy Wonka's power.
















As the Oompa Loompa's take her away, the girl becomes powerless and under control of the Loompa's. Again this is emphasized by shooting her from a high angle.







No comments:

Post a Comment