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‘Films rely on symbolic and technical codes to encourage the viewer to identify and accept particular representations of individuals or groups of people.’
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The way in which viewers are encouraged to perceive certain groups of people or individuals is predominantly influenced by the symbolic and technical codes used by the filmmakers. In the feature film Erin Brockovich viewers are positioned to identify with the major characters and accept the way in which they are represented. Erin Brockovich consists of a small variety of groups of people as well as the important characters that are portrayed as the individuals. Film producers rely heavily on the use of symbolic and technical codes to present the characters but the direction of viewers’ attitude towards these representations is also influenced by additional methods. The feature film Erin Brockovich is a true story about a determined woman who tackles the corporate giant, Pacific Gas and Electric in a lawsuit regarding the deceit directed towards a small Californian town, Hinkley, as to the misleading statements regarding the condition of their water supply. With the assistance of Ed Masry’s legal expertise, Erin and Ed commit themselves to help these unfortunate people whose lives have been destroyed because of the diseases and various types of illnesses the contaminated water has forced upon them. Symbolic techniques are used in the feature film Erin Brockovich to foster an influenced representation if individuals. This is intentional, as the viewer can accept and identify with these individuals. Erin Brockovichs’ storyline is categorized into the Archetypal narrative of the underdog against the more powerful foe. This is highlighted in a distinct and powerful scene when Peter Jensen, husband of Donna Jensen, is seen in absolute dismay and distress, crying, whilst throwing stones at the Hinkley Water Corporation that is seen in the distance. The viewer witnesses camera shots of his homestead with his lights on seen through the windows and then reverts to camera shots of the Hinkley plant itself. The predominant colour used in this scene is a blue-grey which is somewhat symbolic to the emotions Peter is feeling, further scooping the whole underdog notion. Through the throwing of stones at the Hinkley plant the powerful similarities seen between the ‘David and Goliath’ bible tale are clearly unmistakable. Through this specific scene the viewer can observe the severity of damage PG and E have caused individuals such as Peter Jensen, as he has just learnt that his wife has a malignant tumor in her breast. The movie producers purposely use the symbolic technique of colour to further heighten the emotions of the viewer and to make the viewer understand the situation as being somewhat similar to ‘David and Goliath’. The viewer feels a level of empathy and commiseration for Peter Jensen as PG and E have instigated horrible life-threatening damages to his family. The negative representation of PG and E is acquired as the viewers look on to the suffering they have caused and through this determine that PG and E are the antagonists in this situation.
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