Snatch and Amelie

Within Snatch, movement is utilized to display the hyper masculine characteristics of the gangster film genre in contrast with the characters feminine attributes to show how masculinity and femininity are not defined by genders. From Mickey's first fight, derogatory feminine terms are used to describe him to emphasize the weak objectification which the majority of the characters in the film associate with femininity. Lateral movements and extreme close up shots pan with Mickey's movements as he is being thrown down by Gorgeous George. These camera movements increase the speed, anxiety, and suspension of the fight scene. Guy Ritchie, the director, uses anticipatory shots to increase the suspense of the violence by not showing the affect of violence and instead, pulling away. Mickey comes back to hit Gorgeous George in one punch as the background is in slow motion around him while he remains in fast motion. The significance of this scene is how Snatch demonstrates the low regard many of the characters, such as Gorgeous George, have for human life. They show characteristics of greed, power lust, and a need to show strength. Mickey demonstrates restraint in the anxiety of the fight to emphasize how he is the only main character to have regard for human life. Although mercy is often regarded with femininity, Mickey is the character to win the fight and comes out on top in the end of the film as well. Originally in the scene, the camera moves from left to right as it does when Gorgeous George hits Mickey suggesting the psychological normalcy which is associated with this movement. When Mickey comes back to hit Gorgeous George, the punch is from left to right. This adds to the idea that although Mickey is associated with derogatory feminine terms by all the characters, femininity should not be associated with negativity considering he is the one to win the fight. The jump cut shot of Tommy fearing his life as the slow motion tear moves down his face adds to the apprehension and reality of the characters masked masculinity. In addition, throughout the film there are murky colors, decay, dark grays, and dilapidated walls. Each frame is also fairly empty to demonstrate the excessive violence and disregard for human life the characters exhibit.

With the dark humor of the film satirizing masculinity, there is a greater emphasize on the faults of the masculine actions of greed and power with the characters little regard for human life. By Mickey coming out on top, movement emphasizes how masculinity and femininity are displayed in both genders.







Within Amelie, movement is used to demonstrate the feminine characteristics of the film which contrast greatly from Snatch, but are still utilized to demonstrate the masculinity and femininity which both genders exhibit. As Amelie moves down the street in this scene, the fast motion and shaky handheld camera movement allows the audience to view the world in all its beauty through Amelie's eyes. The very lyrical movement emphasizes the beauty of her surroundings and the metaphorical meaning of giving a blind man the opportunity to see all he is missing. The film focuses on these moments of being and existence through noticing the aspects of life that may be passed over, but create something of substance in memories. Fast motion cuts of a baby laughing, a dog playing, and bright colors and flowers surrounding them all emphasize the feminine characteristics of love (even if it may be a love of life) and a want to help/nurture others. The frames within Snatch are often barren and display the little regard for embracing life which the character's exhibit and oppose greatly with the female lead of Amelie. Although Amelie is a female lead, she demonstrates many characteristics normally associated as masculine. Within this scene, the close up tightly framed camera movement is oppositely used as a form of freedom and expression versus constraint and entrapment. The camera pans with Amelie's movements because she is taking charge of

the situation and has power over where she leads the man. The opposite use of close up tightly framed shots emphasizes the control and understanding Amelie has of the beauty of life around her. Although mostly hand held camera movements are used during this scene, dolly tracking shots allow for the journey to be captured more accurately. Throughout the movie, Amelie's journey to love is shown through her character development into realizing the importance of her own happiness and confidence. Her face is often completely in the frame to demonstrate the control and identify of self which she gains by the end of the film. The film reads like a book from left to right in order to show the character development in a more lyrical context. Amelie utlizies movement to create a feminine movie which also embraces the role masculinity and femininity plays within both genders.