The noise of nearing tanks from the distance is
heard throughout the town, the ground shaking beneath the residents feet, the
camera then changes to the perspective of the incoming soldiers, marching in
large numbers they close in on the town, the camera shot now changing to look
side on at the marching men, the sky dark as it begins to rain.(1)
Now focused on an individual man.
Albercht Eugen, young aged perhaps early 20’s,
dressed in a ragged fashion, large trenchcoat covering his frame, a brown
helmet upon his head, marches towards the town, closing in, his gun held in a
fashion suggesting that he is ready to use it, the man shaking clearly in some
form of discomfort (2).The sound of shouting German soldiers now ringing through
the air, a sense of urgency now present.
Albercht Eugen: ‘Round em up!’ (Runde em up)
Franz:
‘Clear the buildings, check everywhere!’(Löschen Sie die Gebäude, überall
Houses are searched and cleared, Albercht Eugen
approaches a door slamming his fist against it, not enough he plants a charge
on the door, stepping back standing aside Franz.(3)
Albercht Eugen: ‘Ready?’(Bereit?)
Franz: ‘Yes,
blow the charge, make it quick!’(Ja, blaset die Gebühr, ermöglichen das
schnelle)
The two men cover there ears bracing themselves
for the explosion(4), a click can be heard via a remote held in hand, a small
explosion occurring, knocking the door down, the men charge into the house guns held at the ready, the sound of women and children screaming in the distance evident, footsteps scurrying around the upper-parts of the house.
The two men walk down the slim dark hallway,(5) holding their guns ready to use of needs be, they move room to room, the setting seemingly that of a usual family home, ornament objects spread around the room, it seems like no one is around, footsteps coming from the rooms above.
Franze: 'Upstairs, with me!'
Albercht Eugen: 'After you!'
The men make way for the stairs, stepping up them with caution treading lightly,(6) guns raised pointing towards the door that remains at the top of the stairs, once at the door they slowly push it open, a creaking noise heard as the door opens.
Franz: 'Check the corners!'
Albercht: 'Understood!'
Once in the dark room, the footsteps stop, a small and innocent figure arises from the Darkness, a young boy holding hischest both of her hands resting upon a large bulge under his coat, the men point their guns at the child, not aware nor paying attention to what rests underneath.(7)
Franz: 'Halt!'
Albercht: 'Don't move!'
The soldiers walk forth, Franz grabs the child by the shoulder leading her down the stairs and out of the house, into the streets, the child is placed aside the mass lines of Jewish people, whilst such occurs Albercht searches the room, finding a middle aged man, repeating the process of his peer, leading him outside the house, placing him in the line aside the child.(8)
The evident Father of the child at this point leans down towards his son, slowly loosening the buttons upon his chest, soon revealing what appears to be a explosive device attached to his chest, the German soldiers rushing around to line up yet more Jews, occupied elsewhere to pay any real attention, the Father kisses his child on the forehead, pulling a string upon the device, the explosion being set off, causing chaos to whomever would be in it's radius*(9)
Key frames
This keyframe shows us the extent to which the Germans power extends, large machinery with heavy weapons are used to move through the streets, eliminating anything that would be deemed a threat, this relates to both my films due to the balance of power, the Germans have much more firepower in comparison to the Jewish people, the tint allows us to understand how the tank would be viewed as a photo back in world war two.
The above shot shows us the German soldiers conducting their door to door search, you can see both german soldiers armed and ready to breach a door, allowing access inside, they seem hardly phased nor reluctant to make an entrance, their intent clear, relating to Defiance in the sense of loyalty, they have a task and nothing will alter their mindset to perhaps sway them in a different direction, there facial expressions clearly focused and determined, a sense of professionalism evident, the way in which this is shot allows us to see the way in which the German soldiers in uniform present themselves, the way in which they conduct the searches very disciplined.The war time like tint in the shot adds to the effect which suggests it's set in World war two.
Now inside the house they conduct their search professionally, as shown they work as a team to clear the building, this shot showing how their weapons are constantly aimed forth, ready to shoot any hostile Jews if needs be, relating to historic content most of the Jewish people put up little resistance thus making this job seemingly easy, this challenges the idea of Defiance where a group of Jewish survivors defend themselves, perhaps challenging the stereotypes. This shot is taken from the belief that they are entering an unknown room, the camera angled down onto them, meaning they are exposed and perhaps uncertain of what might come.The war time like tint in the shot adds to the effect which suggests it's set in World war two.
In this shot you can see the German soldiers inside the room that they've just breached, they appear to act in a cold and relentless manner towards the Jewish being, the way in which they approach the situation shows us how the Nazis present themselves, ready to take an innocent life if needs be. The way in which this is shot allows an indication of where the power is, the Soldiers being above the kneeling figure, phallic objects pointing downwards towards the victims head. The war time like tint in the shot adds to the effect which suggests it's set in World war two.
In this key frame, we can see how the Germans line up the Jews in the streets, this relates to historic content, how the Germans treated the Jews, any sense of power for the Jews not evident, the way in which this is shot allows us to see the despair on every Jews face. The war time like tint in the shot adds to the effect which suggests it's set in World war two.
In this key frame we can see a parent protecting his child, the child appears to have his hand upon his chest, clearly hiding something of importance, the father is seen glancing away towards a group of German soldiers, hate evident in his eyes, the lust for revenge present, the child seemingly innocent and sweet has an explosive device strapped to it's chest, ready to explode, this supports the idea of resistance which is shown in Defiance, this supports my macro as the way in which the Jewish people are represented stereotypically isn't fully correct, the shot is taken at a slightly angled position to show that the power isn't one sided and that the child could alter the balance.The war time like tint in the shot adds to the effect which suggests it's set in World war two.
The above key frame shows us the devastation of the explosion, how the weapon and uniform remains upon the floor, seemingly the death of a German soldier, the remains of what once were a man, the result of a Jewish resistance, trying to fend off those that invade it's home, yet this can also be seen as an act of terrorism despite the German efforts, the way in which this is shot shows us that the remains of the soldier holds no power, nor any influence.The war time like tint in the shot adds to the effect which suggests it's set in World war two.
Essay
The two men walk down the slim dark hallway,(5) holding their guns ready to use of needs be, they move room to room, the setting seemingly that of a usual family home, ornament objects spread around the room, it seems like no one is around, footsteps coming from the rooms above.
Franze: 'Upstairs, with me!'
Albercht Eugen: 'After you!'
The men make way for the stairs, stepping up them with caution treading lightly,(6) guns raised pointing towards the door that remains at the top of the stairs, once at the door they slowly push it open, a creaking noise heard as the door opens.
Franz: 'Check the corners!'
Albercht: 'Understood!'
Once in the dark room, the footsteps stop, a small and innocent figure arises from the Darkness, a young boy holding hischest both of her hands resting upon a large bulge under his coat, the men point their guns at the child, not aware nor paying attention to what rests underneath.(7)
Franz: 'Halt!'
Albercht: 'Don't move!'
The soldiers walk forth, Franz grabs the child by the shoulder leading her down the stairs and out of the house, into the streets, the child is placed aside the mass lines of Jewish people, whilst such occurs Albercht searches the room, finding a middle aged man, repeating the process of his peer, leading him outside the house, placing him in the line aside the child.(8)
The evident Father of the child at this point leans down towards his son, slowly loosening the buttons upon his chest, soon revealing what appears to be a explosive device attached to his chest, the German soldiers rushing around to line up yet more Jews, occupied elsewhere to pay any real attention, the Father kisses his child on the forehead, pulling a string upon the device, the explosion being set off, causing chaos to whomever would be in it's radius*(9)
Key frames
This keyframe shows us the extent to which the Germans power extends, large machinery with heavy weapons are used to move through the streets, eliminating anything that would be deemed a threat, this relates to both my films due to the balance of power, the Germans have much more firepower in comparison to the Jewish people, the tint allows us to understand how the tank would be viewed as a photo back in world war two.
This keyframe allows us to understand the normality of everyday life in Poland, how life went on as usual, that the events soon to come were going to change this seemingly normal atmosphere rather quickly. This relates to how many scenes are set in Defiance where towns and streets are left in a state of peace, until the Nazis appear wishing destruction upon everything, the way in which the shot is taken allows the scene to be viewed as a whole.The war time like tint in the shot adds to the effect which suggests it's set in World war two.
The saying 'Boots on the ground' appeals to this above shot, representing the nearing approach of the German soldiers, this allows us to understand the stereotypical brutality of the Nazis during world war two, and their seriousness to the situation at the time, men on the ground normally the clearest indication of what is intended, the once peaceful and silent town is soon to find it's streets swarmed with enemy soldiers, the shot is taken almost in line with the boot to create a meaningful statement, the Germans are coming, marching and ready.The war time like tint in the shot adds to the effect which suggests it's set in World war two.
The above shot shows us the German soldiers conducting their door to door search, you can see both german soldiers armed and ready to breach a door, allowing access inside, they seem hardly phased nor reluctant to make an entrance, their intent clear, relating to Defiance in the sense of loyalty, they have a task and nothing will alter their mindset to perhaps sway them in a different direction, there facial expressions clearly focused and determined, a sense of professionalism evident, the way in which this is shot allows us to see the way in which the German soldiers in uniform present themselves, the way in which they conduct the searches very disciplined.The war time like tint in the shot adds to the effect which suggests it's set in World war two.
Now inside the house they conduct their search professionally, as shown they work as a team to clear the building, this shot showing how their weapons are constantly aimed forth, ready to shoot any hostile Jews if needs be, relating to historic content most of the Jewish people put up little resistance thus making this job seemingly easy, this challenges the idea of Defiance where a group of Jewish survivors defend themselves, perhaps challenging the stereotypes. This shot is taken from the belief that they are entering an unknown room, the camera angled down onto them, meaning they are exposed and perhaps uncertain of what might come.The war time like tint in the shot adds to the effect which suggests it's set in World war two.
In this shot you can see the German soldiers inside the room that they've just breached, they appear to act in a cold and relentless manner towards the Jewish being, the way in which they approach the situation shows us how the Nazis present themselves, ready to take an innocent life if needs be. The way in which this is shot allows an indication of where the power is, the Soldiers being above the kneeling figure, phallic objects pointing downwards towards the victims head. The war time like tint in the shot adds to the effect which suggests it's set in World war two.
In this key frame, we can see how the Germans line up the Jews in the streets, this relates to historic content, how the Germans treated the Jews, any sense of power for the Jews not evident, the way in which this is shot allows us to see the despair on every Jews face. The war time like tint in the shot adds to the effect which suggests it's set in World war two.
In this key frame we can see a parent protecting his child, the child appears to have his hand upon his chest, clearly hiding something of importance, the father is seen glancing away towards a group of German soldiers, hate evident in his eyes, the lust for revenge present, the child seemingly innocent and sweet has an explosive device strapped to it's chest, ready to explode, this supports the idea of resistance which is shown in Defiance, this supports my macro as the way in which the Jewish people are represented stereotypically isn't fully correct, the shot is taken at a slightly angled position to show that the power isn't one sided and that the child could alter the balance.The war time like tint in the shot adds to the effect which suggests it's set in World war two.
The above key frame shows us the devastation of the explosion, how the weapon and uniform remains upon the floor, seemingly the death of a German soldier, the remains of what once were a man, the result of a Jewish resistance, trying to fend off those that invade it's home, yet this can also be seen as an act of terrorism despite the German efforts, the way in which this is shot shows us that the remains of the soldier holds no power, nor any influence.The war time like tint in the shot adds to the effect which suggests it's set in World war two.
Essay
Hypothesis: 'Defiance and Inglorious Bastards are both independent films.The representation of Jews and Nazis varies in both films, the directors both try to get across their own messages and beliefs
The two scenes from the two films show us the difference in Leadership between Inglorious bastards and Defiance, the two role figures give a speech to those present. Aldo Raine in Inglorious bastards is presented in a very disciplined and formal way, the men present allow him their full attention and respect, he speaks in a brutal and relentless manner, wanting to kill as many Nazis as possible, no matter the risk. Where as in Defiance Tuvia Bielski presents his speech to the people much differently, addressing the need for survival and the need for togetherness, he mentions little about slaughtering Nazis, just doing what is needed to stay alive. Furthermore he also speaks of the group of fleeing Jews to be like a community, stating how all are welcome. In comparison the American born Jews are presented as much more fierce and deadly figures, where as the European Jewish community are seen as more fragile, wanting to simply stay alive, this allows us to understand the relevance the film also has in terms of historic content, the Americans would have a solid and firm leader, perhaps even fearless, where as the Jews may have someone who doesn't carry said traits.
The message the directors are trying to create is that success may be great with a strong and abled leader, someone whom can rally the people and move them in a bright direction.
The Camera in both scenes is focused on the man speaking, briefly glancing to the others present in the scene at times, the focus remains on the speakers to simply imply that the two are of importance, powerful figures, the close up shots also back this up.
The scenes from the two films show us a flict and the relationships between the two leaders and their followers, the conflict in Defiance is an inner conflict, where as in Inglorious bastards its with the Nazi Officer. In Defiance an inner conflict erupts between siblings, two brothers whom don't see eye to eye, this allows us to understand the issues that occur within a group of people fleeing for their lives, mercy is shown by the victor of the fight, Tuvia Bielski restrains himself from killing his brother. On the other hand in Inglorious bastards the situation is much different, Aldo Raine finds himself in a situation where he does not need to fight for a dominant position, those who follow him have seemingly come to their leaders aid, yet in Defiance Tuvia Bielski fights alone without aid, once deemed useless the German Officer is killed, not by the hand of Aldo Raine, but one of his men, no mercy has been shown, and they seem to stay calm and collected during the situation, this follows the typical Hollywood style, a group of Americans remaining the dominant figures, pictured in the correct light.The message is quite clear that with relationship conflict will be present at some stage, be it family or friends, yet being viewed in a certain light can grant you power, as showed in Defiance the brothers fight for dominance, and overall the man whom comes out on top will gain the positive view from the people building a strong relationship, meaning that power is also now yours.
In both scenes, the camera follows a power-like structure, especially in Defiance where the power switches between the two fighters, the weaker man always being looked down on from above, or in the concluding part of the scene where the camera is angled to look upwards towards the 'victor' of the fight. Inglorious bastards follows a much similar structure, yet the power is more fixated towards the Americans, the struggling Nazi Officer is seen in no 'shot of power'.
In the two scenes below a real display of how the two films compare regarding killing and completing a goal or objective is evident, in Defiance the Jews are much more unorganised, they have no plan, where as in Inglorious bastards the organisation is planned, the American Born jews are all highly trained soldiers, where as in Defiance most of the men hardly know how to shoot a gun. Defiance represents the professionalism of the jews rather lowly in most situations, which supports its independent film structure as not all men are suddenly highly trained soldiers, where as in Inglorious bastards they are all trained and 'able', few of the men die during the process of the film, supporting the typical Hollywood styled film. Director Edward Zwick tends to follow a similar trend in his historic events based films, wanting to make them as 'realistic' as possible, a large reason for why the Jews in Defiance follow a low level of professionalism in the fighting sector.
In both scenes the camera gives certain close-ups to show power and dominance, the power shifts in inglorious bastards between the men around the table, as no real understanding of power can be settled, it's very much up in the air, as for Defiance the scene is shot from a distance, allowing us to see the whole fight, showing us that the fighting is balanced for the most part, and that power diverts towards the Jews once they gain the upper hand.
Both scenes below show us how the Jews take their revenge and the manner in which they do it, the lack of emotion in Inglorious bastards is evident, where as in Defiance the emotion shown when hate and revenge is released is different. The Scene in where the American born jews blow up the theatre filled with the German officers is a well planned movement, demonstrating the measures these men will take to see their foes fall, once the doors close and the American born jews open fire the lack of emotion is evident and very obvious. Where as in Defiance Tuvia Bielski is seeking revenge for his parents, yet the fashion in which it's carried out is much different, he finds himself emotionally blocked, and the hesitant nature to pull the trigger. The message the director is trying to get across in Inglorious bastards is the ruthless and non-emotional stance the American born jews take when confronting their hatred against the Germans, their revenge is far from a struggle to contain, they grasp the opportunity they are given, the director suggests that they are strong-hearted, tough and emotionless. In comparison to Defiance the two scenes are very different, the director of Defiance aims to suggest that the emotional struggle of approaching you're foes is tough, that the hatred and revenge is emotional, a struggle to an extent, the message clear and simple, as much as sating you're revenge is satisfying it comes at an emotional cost.
In both scenes the camera is directed towards those with power, in Inglorious bastards the camera looks down upon the struggling German officers, all trying to escape, weak and vulnerable in their current position, Defiance follows a similar idea, the camera is looking down onto the kneeling man, the gun pointed in his direction, the power and dominance pointed towards Tuvia Bielski, the lighting also above his head shining down on him, showing us the importance of his figure and stance.
The way in which the jews are represented in Inglorious bastards follows the typical Hollywood narrative, showing us that American Born Jews are strong hearted, abled fighters and overall a more powerful figure. In Defiance the director sticks to a more independent style, playing out a clearer and more accurate set of events for what it would of been like in the past for fleeing Jews in Nazi occupied Europe. The structure of both films is bold and the messages and beliefs that the directors get across are evident, what you see is what you get, there are few sly and discreet messages during both films, a pattern that has been followed. Overall Defiance supports a historical representation of Jews the messages from the director mainly revolve around struggle and fear, where as Inglorious bastards presents the American born Jews in a stereotypical way, having them overcome most issues and appear as abled and strong figures.
