Framing isolation and hopelessness in Requiem for a Dream (2000)

Sammanfattning

This essay examines how the relationship between mise-en-scène and narrative is used to create a sense of engagement and foreshadowing to the audience in the film Requiem for a Dream (2000). Through a qualitative semiotic analysis, scenes from the start, middle and end, are analysed with the aim of understanding how some visual aspects are used to establish anemotional engagement with the audience. The study uses theory around semiotics and aspectsof mise-en-scène. The results of this study indicate that the film's visuals shift from warm andopen environments to cold hues and restrictive environments. This visual transformation mirrors the deterioration of the characters’ relationship and mental states, while simultaneously creating emotional engagement and foreshadowing the outcome of thenarrative. In my media production I have illustrated a brochure about veteranisation of trees, highlighting the animals that depend on old trees and how it is important for our environment.