Stella-ella-ola-clap-clap-clap.
Notes on a Streetcar Named Desire:
- the noise of whistling is associated with Blanche being lost
- the flashy and bright lighting of the bowling alley are fitting for the joy felt between the two sisters during their reunion
- clear contrast between ideals of both sisters; Blanche seems to prefer to live in higher status (proved to be untrue through historical detail)
- dramatic and soft lighting used on the faces of the characters in two instances:
- when talking about the past (ex: Blanche talked about the death of the boy)
- when being seductive (ex: Blanche talking to Stanley’s friend)
- alcoholism refers to sadness and anger; Stanley is angry when drunk and Blanche drinks when she’s depressed
- Stanley is representative of the streetcar named desire as they both bumble down the road
- silence or subtle music used when Blanche talks about past
- seductive music used when Blanche interacts with men
- music accentuates or represents many emotions; at one point even anger when Stanley get angry because of the radio
- abuse against women is accepted in the time of the movie as Stanley often hits Stella and has dominance over both Stella and Blanche
- rain used when Blanche talks about morbid past
Impressions:
I enjoy black and white movies from the 50’s actually. Not particularly because the story is good (though sometimes it is) but because the women in it have such nice hair and wear pretty dresses. I like it. I really like the dramatic lighting used at some parts in the movie. When a director makes things look more artistic that’s always a plus. When shadow and light is used to play up Blanche’s cheekbones it’s very nice. Story wise, it doesn’t really seem to be going anywhere right now. The character dynamics are interesting right now, but I’m hoping the story picks up. Now I know where “Stella!” is from. :]
