Film & TV Language: Editing blog task

 

'Everything Everywhere All At Once' is an absurdist comedy-drama. The film incorporates elements from several genres and film media, including surreal comedy, science fiction, fantasy, martial arts films, immigrant narrative, and animation.

Unsurprisingly, winning 'Best Picture' on March 12th 2023 it has many grand scenes worthy of credit, specifically the 'Multiverse sequence' (the focus of this essay) containing an incredible showcase of various Film Language components, further enhancing the allure of this movie. 

 

Looking at the  Mis-en-scène closely, one notices the rapid transitions of the diverse settings going through glamorous, gloomy, and even animated environments demonstrating the infinite possibilities of the universe, as well as establishing a cycle of feeling trapped, creating unease around it. Paired with the constant change of Evelyn's costumes,   which represent her change in roles, reflect a seemingly unstable atmosphere, where she is going from chef to opera singer to warrior creating a conflict of identity throughout the universes, perhaps making her feel overwhelmed not able to fully attach herself to any identity. The actress Michelle Yeoh effortlessly shifts expressions over time; transforming from confused and perturbed to in awe of the vast power and potential that she holds, helping her come to terms with this reformation in her life. The lighting dramatically varies whilst she travels through the universe. The overall lighting goes from high-key: neon, harsh to low-key: dull, soft, constantly back and forth separating the realities creating unique distinct emotional tones. Zooming in, the flickering lights on Evelyn's face mirror her sensory overload as she is speedily torn through multiple universes. This helps us identify with the character as we are disorientated by the visuals of the strobe lights. This accompanied with the over saturated and unnatural colours enhance the surreal experiences in the multiverse, furthering it's absurdity. This especially helps the audience classify the genre as a science fiction as it communicates clear fantasy elements and the ideas of parallel universes.

Additionally, the cinematography is important in conveying deep natures of the multiverse.  Even in multiple shots the protagonist is centred in the frame and still, indicating how she is being swept up by the disarray of the multiverse. The close-ups and detailed shots on Evelyn's face capture her vulnerability, giving us a intimate angle where we can sympathise with her. The lack of camera movement, for example, tilts and pans, further reinforce how she is confined in this space with limited freedom. The editing perfectly complements this with its use of montage, the rapid cuts create a sense of urgency by increasing the pace and playing with time. The regular cuts to her original state, reflects how she feels a state of normalcy for a second, however, she is pulled back into the cycle of the multiverse. The match cuts where objects/actions transition into another drawing a fluid connection between the universes. 

Moreover, the sounds overlapping sounds like nature, screams and laughter morph into an overwhelming sensory overload allowing the audience to feel as if they are interacting with the diegesis. The dramatic increase of the pace of this mysterious score, reflects the soaring tensions and anxiety that are rising within Emily. However, near the end of the scene the sudden silence, contrasts the chaotic sounds of the universes warping, now creating a feeling of relief where she is finally back to normal reality. Alternatively, this might even create a sense of unease because the audience are abruptly placed into this quietness.

In conclusion, the blend of all of these elements each amplify each other deepening the narrative making the multiverse feel vast and connected, this effectively communicates Evelyn's sense of: hearing, sight. The audience can use as a tool to understand a clear picture of her world through her perspective. This also helps to capture the overwhelming nature of infinite realities, by striking them with so many elements which they are pretty much unable to fully digest and unwrap, further adding to the overpowering existence of the multiverses. Fully encapsulating the impression of the multiverses in 'Everything Everywhere All At Once'.

Even without having watched this movie, this scene had a considerable amount of impact on me personally because this scene especially is so powerful. It definitely shifts from normal movie conventions, really adding to the ridiculous nature of this movie. Giving audiences a more creative and innovative adventure.