Essays on Detailed Analysis of the Key Scene in the Movie Anni Hall(Allen, 1977)

FILM TECHNIQUES USED IN THE KEY SCENE

It is known that different film techniques such as the choice of shot, camera work, lighting play an important role in the structure of the scene in the film. In the scene described in this paper, the film maker uses closed-up shot which shows tension. Close-up shot concentrates on the object but very little on background. It is clear that the conversation shown in this scene is a serious one because it completely breaks relations between two partners. Moreover, Anni displays initiative in this scene but not Alvy. She puts the end to their relations refusing the young man.

The other important film technique used in this scene is camera movement which helps to make meaning. It is used to produce image in the scene. In our case, neutral shot is used by the film maker.

Special techniques such as special effects and special lighting because the filmmaker has the major goal – to show an ordinary meeting of two people who had intimate relations not long ago.

One more film technique used in this scene is diagetic sound which is represented by the cars zinging down the highway. The main characters are located in the open air cafe opposite the highway. So, the noise of the cars’ engines is heard clearly. It gives impression of motion. It means that life does not stop no matter what Anni is going to respond to Alvy. Every person in this world has his right to choose his fate. Anni decided to leave Alvy Singer. It was her choice.

Music is not used in this scene.

Narrative meaning created by the film is represented by different symbols which help to understand the main ideas of the story. In our case, there are such symbols as New York City which stands for Alvy Singer, and Los Angeles which stands for Anni Hall. As the film has close ending, the key scene explains the major reasons of it. Anni and Alvy did not marry, they remained friends.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, it is necessary to say that the above mentioned formal element reflect key issues of the Romance and Love Story genres. If a man has a great desire to make a proposition to his sweetheart, he should buy flowers or some present to her. In our case, Alvy cannot be called a romantic character as he came to his woman without flowers. He did not present her a ring or some other present. Moreover, he chose a wrong place for such a serious conversation. A cafe at the side of the road is not a romantic place.