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My Guide to House of Flying Dagers (Institutional Context (Made House of…
My Guide to House of Flying Dagers
Editing
Slow motion (bamboo scene) its very dream like, quite unnaturalistic
Very few cuts, specifically in the Bamboo scene - long shots of actors actually doing the choreographed movement
In Echo Game - as the drum beats start to become faster, there are more cuts between camera movements - to highlight the ciaos. Also a chance to become captivated by Mei's movement (again build in tension)
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Sound
Echo Game
Use of deject music with the drums
As Mei hits every drum when it is hit - hyperbolic sounds of the 'whoosh' of her clothing. And the drums being hit by the watchers
The drums start playing faster to help heighten tension within the audience - dramatic - heightens tension for when she grabs the sword - sense that Mei is in control when she grabs the sword she is shown to be clearly skilled and capable
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Hyperbolic sounds from the beans in the bowl and the glass shattering (all seems slightly slowed)- to added to this sense of tension
Silence created when Mei grabs the sword - drums stop only the breathing and sounds from Mei and the man are heard
Bamboo Scene
Large shift from silence and stillness, paired with slow moving camera work into a sudden burst of deject sound
Historical Context
Institutional Context
Zhang Yimou made slow dramas such as 'Raise the Red Lantern' -> art house style
Made House of Flying Daggers to create more opportunity for himself (the Olympics)
'Sell Out' movie to gain money - 'these two are just commercial'
He is a 5th generation film maker- lived through the cultural revolution and first film makers to be professionally trained
He often uses strong female characters in his work (Mei)
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Known as the 'master of colours' - lavish films with colours (themes)
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Focus on choreographed and coordinated movements
Ziyi Zhang - she is a very skilled fighter and a famous actor - she didn't really like the depiction of Mei
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Wuxia genre - fighting (martial arts style genre)
Political Context
There was Government involvement in making the film
Disadvantages: lack of foreign culture, delayed resales for films, censorship
Advantages: more vibrant local film industry, more money for funding, more controllable jobs market, national pride
Technological Context
Social Context
Overall Representation
Clear representation of the culture of China
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Establishes a grounding realism for the films tone
Sense of deciet - establish relationship
Gender Representation
Female: Mei
Capable fighter - fights a large group on her own (bamboo scene) moreover the actor is performing all her own stunts. However, she never seems to fully succeed - she is helped by Jin and Leo in later fights
She fools both the audience and Jin into thinking she is the blind princess - holds the same level as status as both the other male protagonists (deception)
The leader of the House of Flying Daggers is a women and it is predominantly females (their best fighter is Mei) However, they are seen as a powerful group who are fully capable in fights but they are never seen actually fighting in battles for instance.
Sexualisation of Mei - Male Gaze comes into play. Specifically with the bathing scene. Something to be looked at/admired. Although she does let this happen and is fully aware of him standing their (gives her a sense of power and control over herself) She is also noted to look 'fetching' in male clothes
The last scene - Jin and Leo are fighting over Mei sterotypically story line that in a way weakens Mei's character as a strong female. The last major battle Mei is lying wounded on the ground, helpless despite her being the main character.
Aesthetics
Artistically stylised
Colourful and vibrant (Bamboo forest scene - all green, Echo game scene - blue/red)
Bamboo scene - dream like with the slow motion
Nationality Representation
Due to Government involvement - it is a celebration of Chinese Culture
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Large tradition of martial arts plays a key role in the entire film
Has a rich history
Mise-En-Scene
All scenes feel very colour coordinated (bamboo -> green and echo -> blue)
Echo Game - set in a brothel - version of thick,exotic Chin
Mei's costume - colour palette is pink, gold and white - highlights her wealth and a sense of feminine nature (very elegant colours), compared to the blues of the rest of the room.
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Cinematography
Long still shot - actors are doing the actions (Bamboo)
Long shot to a close up of Mei's face (splits in Bamboo) shows her strength and power in this moment. She is very powerful and can protect herself
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Close up of drums in the echo game - sense of freedom for Mei - her way of getting out is by hitting the drums
Aerial shot once set up - almost highlights the idea that this is all a game that is being controlled by someone
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Lighting - very natural throughout. Although very high key for the most part
All shots are clearly though out and specifically in fighting scenes moments are choreographed