Scene Analysis: Recruitment of Ariadne

Question 1

Cinematography:
1. Ariadne is framed center
2. tilt as Paris folds
3. pov shot when everyone is staring at ariadne in the dream
4. lighting is brighter in the dream
5. extreme close up of flashback with Mal
6. close up of totem spinning

Answer 1

1. establishes she is the central chracter of this sceme. backlit, symbolic of a halo, connotes her good nature
2. aligns the spectator with her and induces anxiety in them that she is feeling
3. symbolic of her and Cobb’s closeness
4. spins for a long time to add suspense; spectator is unsure if Cobb is out of the dream

Question 2

Mise en scene:
1. introduces significance of the role of the architect and shows how she is strong and assertive enough to take on the role
2. motif of clock ticking in the back
3. Ariadne wears colourful and youth clothing

Answer 2

1. critiques gender roles as Ariadne is presented as strong and brave
2. reinforces central motif of time, constantly keeps spectator on edge

Question 3

Editing:
1. cut from inside college to outside
2. fast paced kinetic editing and mid shot when Ariadne is attacked

Answer 3

1. shows she has accepted the offer
2. conveys it is an action scene

Question 4

Performance:
1. Ariadne seems casual and innocent (pov and handheld camera shot)

Answer 4

1. shows how new and clueless she is to the dream world