English Essay

The Power of One

In the film ‘The Power Of One’ Directed by John Avidsen there was an important scene where there is a confrontation between two characters, there are specific techniques the director has used in order to make the scene what it was. These techniques include Low-Key lighting and Low angle camera shots

The director uses low key lighting in this scene which completely changed the vibe. For example, the lighting in this scene indicates it’s late, dark and secluded. I think John Avidsen, the Directors overall intent was to set a ‘tone’ and set a ‘vibe’. If it were light or if they were outside, for example, the scene would have felt different. The lighting really helped make this scene. Once again back to the tone and vibe. The viewers automatically felt a certain way about this scene before anything happened. Small aspects built up. In the Geel Piets death scene, the lighting was dark. The scene would not have felt the same with different lighting.

The angles in the scene were crucial. The Director uses multiple low-angle shots. For example, there are a lot of points in this scene that it shows Jaapie is dominant over PK//looking down on him. I feel the Director’s intent was to show Jaapies masculinity over PK. And to highlight that he had the upper hand. 

This camera angle helped me see that PK was alone in this situation. That Jaapie and all the other children were against and looking down on helpless little PK. It showed PK had no strength. I link this scene to when Geel Piet was forced to eat feces off Sargeant Borman’s shoe. In these scenes, the victims were both helpless, and the high angle shot made it clear who was in charge at that point in time.

John Avidsen uses a lot of different techniques in this scene, the main one being facial expressions and gestures. Jaapies sly expressions show us that he had cruel intentions heading into this scene. PK’s near emotionless face toward indicates ds the end of the scene after the chicken is killed makes us feel sympathy for him. I feel the Director's purpose was to add a layer on top of what was going on. He didn’t overdo the expressions, but he didn’t lack the use of them. I link this scene to when PK is being visited by the medicine man. We could read what was going on and how he felt merely by his expression. 

In conclusion, it is clear that things such as lighting and certain angles can completely make or break a scene. The directors intent was clear and well received by the audience. This movie had raw and real elements which made it unique.