Their Eyes Were Watching God Film Questions
Their Eyes Were Watching God Film Viewing Questions
1: Close-Ups
By utilizing a close-up shot of Janie, the filmmakers sought to signify the closest (most recent) part of Janie’s life that the audience would be able to experience. Furthermore, the contrast between the staggering, worn out state of Janie and the established and sleek sign marking the entrance suggests a contrast in the various stages in Janie’s life- the climb and descent that her life took in regards to the economic ladder. However, sweat follows hard work and determination, and by presenting this to the audience through the close-up, it is made known that Janie, despite all the unknown hardships, made it to the city of Eatonville. This tells the audience of Janie’s will power while hinting at the type of character development that she underwent. Also, by beginning before Janie arrives in Eatonville, the filmmakers grant Janie the ability to present her own development, rather than a sole unfamiliar narrator. Because a significant amount of information is acquired about Janie in a 35-second time frame, this opening sequence is effective, as it does serve the purpose of developing a type of background information just as an opening shot should.
2: Voice-Over
This voice-over is used to provide more insight on Janie and her surroundings. She speaks in an informative tone, as if she is speaking from experience. She informs the audience as a whole about life, meaning she is, at that point, most likely far into or even at the end of it. This voice-over is effective due to the fact that it supplements the close-up perfectly. Many aspects about Janie and her surroundings are presented in the close-up and the voice-over validates and further provides information on the situation. Removing this voice-over would weaken the scene because it would prevent the specific amount of information needed to understand the plot from developing. Moreover, this voice over gives Janie- a woman and the main character- the
1: Close-Ups
By utilizing a close-up shot of Janie, the filmmakers sought to signify the closest (most recent) part of Janie’s life that the audience would be able to experience. Furthermore, the contrast between the staggering, worn out state of Janie and the established and sleek sign marking the entrance suggests a contrast in the various stages in Janie’s life- the climb and descent that her life took in regards to the economic ladder. However, sweat follows hard work and determination, and by presenting this to the audience through the close-up, it is made known that Janie, despite all the unknown hardships, made it to the city of Eatonville. This tells the audience of Janie’s will power while hinting at the type of character development that she underwent. Also, by beginning before Janie arrives in Eatonville, the filmmakers grant Janie the ability to present her own development, rather than a sole unfamiliar narrator. Because a significant amount of information is acquired about Janie in a 35-second time frame, this opening sequence is effective, as it does serve the purpose of developing a type of background information just as an opening shot should.
2: Voice-Over
This voice-over is used to provide more insight on Janie and her surroundings. She speaks in an informative tone, as if she is speaking from experience. She informs the audience as a whole about life, meaning she is, at that point, most likely far into or even at the end of it. This voice-over is effective due to the fact that it supplements the close-up perfectly. Many aspects about Janie and her surroundings are presented in the close-up and the voice-over validates and further provides information on the situation. Removing this voice-over would weaken the scene because it would prevent the specific amount of information needed to understand the plot from developing. Moreover, this voice over gives Janie- a woman and the main character- the