Bridge and Soldiers Response

BRIDGE. I loved this film. My wife would like it too, but I’m sure she would yell out, “What the hell! Do they kiss?” And that’s the hook of this film; where is this obvious tension going to end up?

The director made some excellent choices here. The tension between the two characters is the subject of this film, and the camera follows their faces to show every little emotion, allowing the audience to hang on every tiny smirk, squint and blink. For example, when he’s reading the title of the book aloud, the camera is focused on her reaction. And when he asks, “do you do them naked?” the camera is focused on his face, which is anxiously awaiting her answer.

The best part, visually, I think is when the bridge goes up the second time. The camera pans beneath their arms form his face to hers, adding to the intimacy of the moment, bringing you under the bridge into their personal space. More importantly, the fact that she keeps her eyes open this time lets the audience know that she feels the same way he does. It’s the pre-climatic moment of the film.

In the end, the music fades out, simulating intense captivation of the audience. This is the part we’ve all been waiting for, and no one is looking away.  The last thing we see is shared joy as they both smile at each other.

And I was wrong, my wife said, “Let’s try it!”

SOLDIERS. Short and powerful. This film depicts a situation that everyone hopes to avoid in life: losing a loved on in war. The mother and son relationship is perhaps the deepest one of all. Curtis makes a deeply emotional impact in just two minutes here.

It looks like this was shot early in the morning. The intense sunlight, the long shadows the cold air, and the mother being alone in a massive cemetery create a feeling of isolation. The music of Explosions in the Sky adds to the emotion of this piece. Interestingly, this song is the conclusion of an album named “The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place.”

The out of focus man in the background, combined with the bright morning sun, creates a dreamy atmosphere. There is something supernatural going on here. I like how the second soldier is never in focus, but his hand is there to push Michael towards his grieving mother. These men are there, but they’re not.