Analyzing Michelangelo Antonioni's Blow Up
Film 1B03 - T08
Michelangelo Antonioni was an acclaimed Italian film director, revered for his contributions to the discipline of cinema. In many ways, Michelangelo Antonioni has revolutionized the realm of art cinema and is responsible for the foundations that the style now rests upon. One of his most influential films was titled Blow Up. In his first English language film, Antonioni examines themes of perception and reality, especially in regard to society and the individual. This film has continuous markings of an art film from the opening sequence to the final credits. In order to analyze the film’s style we must be aware of the criteria that define and differentiate the art and narrative models. In many art films narrative themes often fail to fully develop and can be eliminated before any meaning is given. Also, art film directors such as Antonioni often choose to film extended sequences and periods of time without the use of dialogue. Similarly, the portrayal of scenery and landscape on a large scale is expected. The use of ambiguity runs rampant within art films such as Blow Up because the plot requires the audience to be confused and withheld of information at times in order for the director to deliver the intended reactions from the audience. Three scenes in particular, Ricky Tick, Finding Ron, and the Tennis Game[1], portray a number of qualities and techniques that are characteristic of an art film. It is clinical of art films to revolve around realism. This is often continued through the incorporation of ‘realistic’ characters. This concept of realism is portrayed though psychologically complex characters. Central characters in classical films are goal oriented and attempt to complete the narrative aspect of the film. Following a narrative pattern of cause and effect, the audience receive enjoyment in the plot’s completion. Such Hollywood films are enjoyed by many for the brief escape from reality provided by a completed
Michelangelo Antonioni was an acclaimed Italian film director, revered for his contributions to the discipline of cinema. In many ways, Michelangelo Antonioni has revolutionized the realm of art cinema and is responsible for the foundations that the style now rests upon. One of his most influential films was titled Blow Up. In his first English language film, Antonioni examines themes of perception and reality, especially in regard to society and the individual. This film has continuous markings of an art film from the opening sequence to the final credits. In order to analyze the film’s style we must be aware of the criteria that define and differentiate the art and narrative models. In many art films narrative themes often fail to fully develop and can be eliminated before any meaning is given. Also, art film directors such as Antonioni often choose to film extended sequences and periods of time without the use of dialogue. Similarly, the portrayal of scenery and landscape on a large scale is expected. The use of ambiguity runs rampant within art films such as Blow Up because the plot requires the audience to be confused and withheld of information at times in order for the director to deliver the intended reactions from the audience. Three scenes in particular, Ricky Tick, Finding Ron, and the Tennis Game[1], portray a number of qualities and techniques that are characteristic of an art film. It is clinical of art films to revolve around realism. This is often continued through the incorporation of ‘realistic’ characters. This concept of realism is portrayed though psychologically complex characters. Central characters in classical films are goal oriented and attempt to complete the narrative aspect of the film. Following a narrative pattern of cause and effect, the audience receive enjoyment in the plot’s completion. Such Hollywood films are enjoyed by many for the brief escape from reality provided by a completed