This clip from Avatar displays the scene where Jake has to "make the bond" with the one and only, special pterodactyl that he will fly in his days of being one of the Omaticaya. Jake must notice which pterodactyl is going to attempt to kill him, this is the one that he is required to make a bond with and seal the connection between them. Jake is pushed forward to walk through the mass of pterodactyls; as he does this, you hear mainly the screeching and roaring of the surrounding creatures, but there is also some background music added in to strengthen the height of anticipation for what is to come in the battle between Jake and his selected pterodactyl. With this you are able to see almost thousands of these enormous beasts swarming around the same location. There is a strong intimidation factor that is felt from the presence of each individual pterodactyl. As Jake meanders through the colorful horde, he finally approaches "the one"; the drum starts to beat as your heart beats with a quickened pace, the battle has begun. "Let's Dance" Jake says intuitively to the beast after an exchange of hissing. The intense signifiers make you feel engaged in this battle with Jake. The soft yet fierce music sets up the potential for the showdown of Jake and the pterodactyl which is trying to kill Jake. The subtle things like the noise of the music and the depths of the visual background make the viewer much more engaged into the scene, even when he/she does not necessarily notice these things instantly or consciously thinks about these details. Once the bond is made between the two, the music becomes much more calm and soothing, showing that all the commotion has come to a halt, and that there is not much more to worry about.
This was one of the only clips I could find in the beginning of looking for one and I dismissed it because I didn't think that I would be able to use it. But good job in finding something to talk about. I didn't realize what was going on in this scene, but now when I look back on what I was doing I was sitting on the edge of my seat and my heart was beating harder and I did feel a part of the scene when I saw the movie for the first time. It is interesting how the director or editor can throw in these basic things and make us get into everything. They really know how to illicit certain behaviors and wants.
ReplyDeleteThe usage of background music to reinforce the excited and anticipating feeling brought on by the capture scene sort of falls into the "melodrama" term discussed in class. The effect of this is to affect the viewers in this matter. I agree with your interpretation of this scene. The beating bass of the drums and slowly rising background music creates the mood.
ReplyDeleteYou did a good job at describing the scene presented. The parts of the scene that present the viewer with a thought and feeling of emotional connection to the video portray a battle that will become stronger throughout the video. It is also important to note that at this point in the movie, you are already connected with Jake and in the movie itself. As you divulge closer and closer into the movie, and become more attached to the movie, you feel that you are actually there. As you are there, this scene is very important to show what can be done, along with what should be done as well.
ReplyDeleteMusic definitely sparks emotions that are supposed to be associated with the scene. We often overlook this, and just become more engaged in the movie. The music works with the structure of the scene perfectly, and directors do this so they can control the views emotions and keep them interested in the movie. A excellent movie is one where you feel everything the main character feels. The music intensely builds as Jake approaches creature after creature, with the climax being when he is choosen. Then it switches gear from anticipation of danger to freedom of flight. I definitely agree with you that music works with each part of the scene and if it is read then we foreshadow the general emotions of the movie.
ReplyDeleteYou did a good job of showing that music is important. Its the second most important thing as it could the whole scene. I see a lot of directors making that mistake.
ReplyDelete