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Saving Private Ryan - thematic conventions - Coggle Diagram
Saving Private Ryan - thematic conventions
Us vs them mentality
Us vs them when trying to find private Ryan, with the Us group being the rescue group and Them, being Ryan
Demonstration of us vs them through false hope, pretending to show mercy upon the enemy before brutally killing them
Mocking of the German POW with symbols of the Star of David whilst telling them he is a Jew ("Juden") Mellish
When searching for Ryan, the rescue group under Captain Miller roam the streets of Normandy. As the wall falls and reveals the enemy German soldiers this wall demonstrates the clear us vs them. Upon the collapse of the wall, firing begins and the German soldiers are instantly killed.
Faceless enemy- no identity
De-humanisation of soldiers
Tossing dog tags of dead in search of Ryan's tag, with no respect. Making jokes about bullet stricken tags "Guess they are not bulletproof". Acting like they are playing cards/ poker.
Birds eye view- high camera angle of scattered dead bodies- demonstration of lost identity and humanity, and grave loss of life
Soldiers are dehumanised as letters recording deaths are copy + pasted.
Dead bodies on the beach of Normandy are stripped of artillery and bullets. Then used as shields for others- complete loss of humanity.
High camera angles, diegetic sound, rapid camera, cinema verite conventions.
Suspension of morality
Symbols of Rosary's and crosses throughout (religious symbols). Praying to God before for protection and after for forgiveness. "Detest my sins"- Private Jackson
Chaplin's praying for those who have died
Killing is no longer viewed as murder but as an act of duty towards one's country.
"Don't shoot em, let em burn". The allies wish a slow and painful suffering on their enemy rather than quickly ending their lives
Ridiculing + taunting enemy
Captain Miller- "every time I kill I feel further away from home"
Private Jackson's sniping skills and strength are described as "God given"
Random acts of compassion
Comradery and respect. Putting covers over the faces of deceased.
Compassion toward Ryan as he mourns
Mourning loss of fellow soldiers- praying for the enemy who died
Caparzo tried to help French children whilst defying orders
Captain Miller demonstrated compassion to the POW, march 1000 paces blindfolded. Following the rules regarding POWs, however will eventually regret it.
Long high shot- portraying him as small and thus suggesting vulnerability, however very wrong and forebodes what will happen.
Burying bodies of the dead
Uncertain fate
Talks about pool reaching $1000 before Captain Miller reveals his past occupation "Will we live that long" "Make it $500"
Patriarchal representation of women (through binary opposition)
Expressionless faces. Demonstrates brutality of war and how this is normalised.
Grieving mothers eg Private Ryan's mother, and loved ones. Traditional trope of war films. Domesticated stereotype. Indictive of context of production. Vulnerability of women
Women shown at work. Delivering telegrams and notifying families of death
Sexually objectified. Prior to the final battle, reminiscent of women and their bodies as memories of home
Absence of women, lack of dialogue
Captain Miller says his story of his wife is saved just for him- thus respect of women
Bravery and sacrifice in the face of death vs self preservation
Caparzos attempt to save the little French girl to safety in the next tiwn- died in doing so
"For every man who died, he has saved 20 times"
"I wonder if my wife is even gonna recognise me whenever it is I get back to her"- shows the mental and physical toll and sacrifice in war
Omaha beach and final scene: blood, cinema verite, diegetic sound, camera, explosions
Sense of teamwork and collaboration to achieve goals
Despite disagreeing with Captain Miller, they follow his orders to find Ryan due to chain of order, teamwork and respect.
Every one helps in attempting to save Wade
The unity of two sep divisions of the same army to win the war in the culminating battle. Unity in the face of adversity.
Sense of hopelessness/ futility
Captain Miller realises his call got Wade Killed
Climactic battle. All hope lost before the planes fly overhead, signifying victory.
Hopelessness even before landing on Omaha Beach, killed on boats
Finding the wrong Priv Ryan
Medic Wade, attempts to save lives. Trying to help people and they are shot dead "give us a break/chance"
Scapegoating
Priv Ryan scapegoated for the deaths of Caparzo and Wade