Looking for Alibrandi

Although the outcomes of a journey as well as the journey itself are crucial parts of the process ones goes through, at times is it the outcomes of the journey or the ‘arrival’ that bear a greater significance to the individual. As it is the outcomes and affects that one is left with long after the journey is over. Both the poem ‘Father and child’ as well as the film ‘Looking for alibrandi’ (directed by Kate Woods) use techniques such as mood, comparison as well as imagery and camera angles to communicate this to the Audience.
Both composers (Woods and Harwood) use mood and a contrast between the beginning and ending of both texts as a way of highlighting the effects of the journey for the protagonists ‘Looking for alibrandi’ opens to a shot of Josie in her courtyard with her family during their annual ‘tomato day’ a Sicilian tradition which involves the gathering of Josie’s’ family to make homemade tomato sauce. This scene is shot in sepia tone, thus removing color from the scene, therefor giving it a melancholy feeling. This is reflective of the feelings of the protagonist (Josie). As supported by her inner monologue which is played throughout the scene, Josie says:   ‘this might be where I come from, but do I really belong here?’ (In reference to her family) This a contrast to the ending scene of the film which shows Josie once again at her families ‘tomato day’. However this scene is shot in full colour, thus giving vibrancy to the scene, creating a cheerful ambiance. This cultivates the scene of belonging Josie now feels as a result of completing her journey.   This feeling is emphasised my Josie’s narration, she describes herself as ‘Christina and Michaels daughter and Katia’s Granddaughter’. Showing her new found sense of belonging within her family, which she did not have at the beginning of the film, evidenced by her narration as well as the mood of the scene. Therefor this contrast is showcasing the effects of the journey rather than the journey process...