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Introduction to Film and Television theory 3. Secrets and Lies (1996), directed by Mike Leigh Secrets and Lies is primarily a film based on characters. Discuss how characters are Revealed and developed in the film through narrative structure and cinema techniques. Use specific scenes from the film to illustrate you're answer. Secrets and Lies is a film that can make an audience feel like they are not watching a film at all, but that they are looking in on everyday people going about their normal lives. Director Mike Leigh uses carefully chosen cinema techniques and narrative structure to achieve this effect. In the beginning we appear to be seeing exerts or slices of different peoples lives, going about their business. But as the film develops, these seemingly unconnected plot strands twist together, gathering tension and momentum. As this happens, we learn much more about each character through their interaction and become emotionally involved. Mike Leigh also works with a lot of improvisation in his movies. The actors work with him over a long period of time to create a new person/character, discussing every part of their personality, life and history. During filming, they are asked not to just recite lines, but have conversations. This adds to the feeling of reality and spontaneity. As mentioned, In the beginning of the film (the set-up) we are introduced to the main characters, and the world, or different worlds, that they live in. The non-diegetic orchestral music we hear in the opening funeral scene sets the tone for the whole movie. It is sad, lamenting, but also has something joyful behind it. This music starts up again whenever a new character is introduced. First, Maurice. We see him in his role as photographer- nice, gentle, joking, coaxing a bride-to-be to smile. The music continues and the film cuts to a shot of Monica intensely stenciling, then a close-up of her hand, pounding away with the paintbrush. This gives an initial feeling that something is pent up inside her. The next shot is a long shot of the exterior of Monica and Maurice's nice, neat house which cuts to the interior, including Monica, which is perfectly decorated. This is building up an image of these two characters being fairly well - off. This is added to by the medium - long shot of Maurice admiring Monica's new silk two-piece outfit. A feeling of mystery is created about Roxanne and Cynthia as Monica and Maurice talk. Monica talks positively of Roxanne and negatively of Cynthia. Maurice says, "I think that's the last time she's ever smiled" of Roxanne, and music starts up. The film cuts to a long shot of Roxanne street - sweeping. Her hair is messy and she looks unkempt. The next shot is a close-up of her face, showing her deep scowl, relating to Maurice's words. Our introduction to Cynthia is a long shot of her working at a machine in the background, with boxes pilled in the foreground. Everything is in dull blue and grey tones. The music continues, adding to the sadness and dullness of the scene and connecting it to the other introductions. A medium long shot of Cynthia and her machine making cardboard boxes shows the monotonous repetitive action, then cuts to a close-up of her face, showing her unhappy, defeated expression. We first see Hortense in her job as an optometrist working with a young girl. The camera alternates between close-ups of her and of the girl. We take in her kind smile, her gentleness with the girl, her upper-class accent. Her hair is in a well-styled bob and she wears gold jewelry. The film cuts to a long shot of Hortense leaving the office, the music starts up, and we take in more information about her- she is professional, friendly with the secretary, and wears a stylish black suit.
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