Blog #8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82_bhD0_Trw

       This scene is from "O' Brother Where Art Thou?" a movie by the Coen Brothers. The movie is a spin off Homers "Odyssey." One theme that is played with in the movie is the concept of "Faith vs. Skepticism." This particular scene shows the theme of "Faith vs. Skepticism" by comparing and contrasting two of the main characters faith in God and the others skepticism of their actions and beliefs. The theme of the movie is didactic because the audience is not presented with a clear theme, you must search for the deeper meaning of the film.

      The rhythm of the scene helps play into the theme of faith throughout the movie. The people in the white baptism robes are moving in unison to the song they are singing. The rhythm is very spiritual because of the song and its deeper meaning. As the camera pans to capture the singing people it creates rhythm. Also movement of the characters in the scene can be deconstructed to find the message of "Faith vs. Skepticism." Once the people with the white baptism start their movements which are all in sync, the camera pans to show the three main characters movements. In this case the movements are facial expressions. The movements of Delmar's face tell the audience that he is intrigued and is enjoying the religious song. However when you notice Everett's facial movements the audience notices a face of confusion or skepticism of the situation. Movements of Delmar sprinting into the river to be baptized also elicits the theme of faith and says a lot about this characters personality. Everett just stands there and watches with the opposite look on his face and states a phrase that is very skeptical of Delmar's actions as well as his faith in God.