Prompt: Write about the cinematography/camerawork techniques, melodrama, editing, performance/acting, music/sound, pacing, set design, visuals, lighting, shot composition, realism, outfits/props, historical accuracy, impact on future films, themes, etc. How does this film contrast with Hollywood cinema?
Assume this is for a reader who saw the film 15 years ago. Provide a critical synopsis of the film relating to the paper’s topic. Also, illustrate your thesis with a close, cinematic analysis of two significant scenes.
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Exploring Cinematic Elements and Cultural Contrasts: A Study of Bollywood Films
Introduction
Bollywood cinema, known for its vibrant colors, melodramatic narratives, and elaborate song-and-dance sequences, offers a unique cinematic experience that contrasts with traditional Hollywood filmmaking. This essay delves into the various elements that define Bollywood films, including cinematography, editing, music, performances, and themes, while highlighting the distinct characteristics that set them apart from Hollywood cinema.
Cinematography and Camerawork Techniques
Bollywood films often feature dynamic camerawork and visually striking cinematography that capture the grandeur and emotion of the storytelling. From sweeping aerial shots of picturesque landscapes to intricate dance sequences filmed with precision and flair, Bollywood cinematography aims to immerse the audience in a sensory feast of colors and movement.
Melodrama and Performance
One of the defining features of Bollywood cinema is its embrace of melodrama, where emotions are heightened, conflicts are intense, and characters express their feelings through dramatic performances. Actors often convey a wide range of emotions through facial expressions, gestures, and dialogue delivery, creating an emotionally resonant experience for viewers.
Music and Sound
Music plays a central role in Bollywood films, with elaborate song-and-dance numbers punctuating key moments in the narrative. From romantic ballads to energetic dance routines, music adds depth and emotion to storytelling, enhancing the overall cinematic experience. Sound effects and background scores are used strategically to evoke mood and atmosphere, contributing to the film’s emotional impact.
Set Design and Visuals
Bollywood films are known for their opulent set designs, extravagant costumes, and visually stunning aesthetics. Elaborate sets depicting palatial mansions, bustling streets, and exotic locales transport viewers to a world of fantasy and escapism, creating a larger-than-life cinematic experience that captivates the imagination.
Lighting and Shot Composition
Lighting plays a crucial role in creating mood and atmosphere in Bollywood films, with vibrant colors and dynamic lighting schemes adding visual flair to each frame. Creative shot compositions, including close-ups during emotional moments and wide shots during musical sequences, enhance the visual storytelling and draw viewers into the narrative.
Realism and Historical Accuracy
While Bollywood films often prioritize entertainment and spectacle over realism, they may draw inspiration from historical events, cultural traditions, and social issues. While historical accuracy may be sacrificed for dramatic effect or narrative convenience, Bollywood films have the power to educate audiences about diverse cultures and traditions in an engaging and accessible manner.
Impact on Future Films and Themes
Bollywood cinema’s influence extends beyond its own industry, inspiring filmmakers around the world to explore new storytelling techniques, embrace cultural diversity, and experiment with genres. Themes of love, family, honor, and resilience resonate across borders, bridging cultural divides and fostering a deeper appreciation for global cinema.
Contrasts with Hollywood Cinema
Bollywood cinema contrasts with Hollywood in its emphasis on music and dance, melodramatic storytelling, colorful visuals, and cultural specificity. While Hollywood films tend to prioritize realism, subtle performances, and genre conventions, Bollywood celebrates theatricality, emotional expression, and cultural diversity in its storytelling approach.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bollywood cinema’s rich tapestry of cinematic elements, cultural nuances, and storytelling traditions distinguishes it as a unique and vibrant film industry that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. By embracing melodrama, music, spectacle, and cultural authenticity, Bollywood films offer a cinematic experience that transcends language barriers and celebrates the universal themes of love, hope, and resilience. As Bollywood continues to evolve and innovate, its impact on future filmmaking trends and global cinema remains significant in shaping the art of storytelling for generations to come.
