The Natural
- Submitted by: jlopickup
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- Date Submitted: 10/13/2010 04:05 AM
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FLM 1023
The Natural
The Natural is a fine example of the uses of cinematography to place emphasis or meaning on certain aspects of the story. The techniques of slow motion and unique lighting in this film were effectively employed in order to lend the illusion of reality to this classic drama. The example I will be using in this paper is that of the effect of slow motion in the gut-wrenching final scene of the pennant race between the Pirates and the Knights.
At this point in the film, all looks dismal for Roy Hobbs and the Knights. A major decision looms before Roy. Will he play and risk his life or will he throw the game and take the bribe? Roy, being the moral hero he is, decides to risk his life and play the game to the best of his ability despite his infirmities and hampered skill level. Things did not immediately go well, and it looked as though the sun was setting on the Great Roy Hobbs and his Knights. He gets two strikes and begins to bleed from the wound in his stomach. At this point, the music changes and he hits the final pitch which sends the ball climbing to great heights and into the stadium lights. This is the scene in which the use of slow motion is so artfully employed. This technique emphasizes the emotional impact of the moment and accentuates Roy’s Titan-like attributes as well as illuminating his super-human strength.
The wide-angle, slow motion shot of Roy Hobbs swinging the bat in the climactic moments of the film is what seems to give it the punch that makes this movie live on in the viewer’s heart. I’ve learned the effects provided by unique cinematography not only add to the film’s impact, but could indeed make or break the movie. I never realized the importance of the cinematographer toward the final composition of the work. Long live the Oscar given to cinematographers!
The Natural
The Natural is a fine example of the uses of cinematography to place emphasis or meaning on certain aspects of the story. The techniques of slow motion and unique lighting in this film were effectively employed in order to lend the illusion of reality to this classic drama. The example I will be using in this paper is that of the effect of slow motion in the gut-wrenching final scene of the pennant race between the Pirates and the Knights.
At this point in the film, all looks dismal for Roy Hobbs and the Knights. A major decision looms before Roy. Will he play and risk his life or will he throw the game and take the bribe? Roy, being the moral hero he is, decides to risk his life and play the game to the best of his ability despite his infirmities and hampered skill level. Things did not immediately go well, and it looked as though the sun was setting on the Great Roy Hobbs and his Knights. He gets two strikes and begins to bleed from the wound in his stomach. At this point, the music changes and he hits the final pitch which sends the ball climbing to great heights and into the stadium lights. This is the scene in which the use of slow motion is so artfully employed. This technique emphasizes the emotional impact of the moment and accentuates Roy’s Titan-like attributes as well as illuminating his super-human strength.
The wide-angle, slow motion shot of Roy Hobbs swinging the bat in the climactic moments of the film is what seems to give it the punch that makes this movie live on in the viewer’s heart. I’ve learned the effects provided by unique cinematography not only add to the film’s impact, but could indeed make or break the movie. I never realized the importance of the cinematographer toward the final composition of the work. Long live the Oscar given to cinematographers!