Amazingly, I found the movie to include not only just visual imagery but audio imagery as well; which is something I believe I have not yet experienced. There were three scenes in which seemed like certain sounds were pulled out intentionally above the others so the audience can place particular attention to them: (1) Fireworks, (2) the sound of tennis racking hitting the ball during in which reminded Carla of the assault, and (3) the sound of Gustavo hitting Carla when he felt vulnerable.
The sounds all contained a similar repetitive and frequent harsh banging sound that could lead the audience (at least to me) to naturally develop an unpleasantness and unbearable sensation when hearing them. In addition, it is interesting to note that these sounds each involved one of these “trophies” that is intensely valued by high society (e.g., beautiful wife/girlfriend, luxury experiences, statuses). Furthermore, each of these scenes that contained the sound included an insinuation of damage/violence being inflicted onto a person. For example, in the scene involving the firework, the cinematography carefully framed the firework appearing to almost hit Tano. And in the tennis competition, the sound of the tennis ball hitting the racket reminded Carla of the assault.
Thus, the connection between these scenes leads me to conclude that the way that the characters indulged in these ‘trophies’ is damaging to an individual. Depending on one’s worth and identity in these societal prized items would lead an individual to more harm. It was clever for the director to use the sensation of hearing in order to present this analysis to the audience.
Hey Katherine, I really enjoyed your connection between these three scenes. When Tamara mentioned in class that there were sounds in the movie that helped guide the narrative, I couldn’t recall any. Now that you’ve pointed these out, I remember how uncomfortable I felt with Carla during the tennis match, and how her body was reacting to her husband placing all his force in his racket swing. I think it’s so interesting how we’re able to connect with her in this way because she’s having an involuntary reaction but we can also feel it together with her. I think this further demonstrates just how toxic her relationship is. Even though she is reacting to this scene with such obvious flinches, her brain still tells her that her husband can be helped and that she must stay with him throughout his healing process.
Excellent reflections on sound, Katherine. The scene you mention with Carla flinching as Gustavo plays tennis likewise jumped out to me. Your reading of the various “trophies” is fantastic. Great work!
Kathrine, I really liked your analysis of Tano and the fireworks, and I think the fireworks scene could be a predictor of future events in the movie. As you explained, Tano is framed in a way to make it look like the firework hits him, and later on, he orchestrates the deaths of the men. Additionally, as the fireworks go off, the film cuts to Trina sitting by the water, as the security guard approaches and gives her drugs. Later on in the film, Trina is raped by the guard. The fireworks, or more generally the loud noises, cue the viewer into the violence within the film.
Hi Katherine, I totally agree. The sounds really drove the messages home, especially in the tennis scene where you could see the anger with which the tennis racket was used. I also liked your analysis of the trophies and how they may be harmful to a person’s wellbeing. I think you can see this harm in real life too. People in today’s society are overly competitive. The sacrifices people need to make to be ‘great’ and have their egos stroked continue to increase. I often wonder what a society/culture that isn’t so focused on competition (sports, academic, business, you name it) would be like, or even if my own happiness could be improved by not focusing on these things. The ego is dangerous.
Hi Katherine, I enjoyed reading your comment very much! Honestly, I did not think too much about the imagery that the movie was portraying until you pointed them out! I also found quite interesting when you mentioned the scene where Gustavo is playing tennis and the sound is linked to Carla´s memories, which involve pain and violence. Personally, I believe this scene is very powerful since it clearly describes to the audience how Carla´s emotions are taking place and are part of her life in which she cannot scape from.