The struggle to achieve the American Dream
Technique: Low angle shot looking up at the Dean Whitter Building
Effect: This camera angle has been used to present the building as dominating and out-of-reach. The American Flag is a motif that occurs throughout the film which shows that Chris' American Dream is not obtainable at this stage in the film. We can see that he will have to go to extreme lengths to achieve this. Technique: Long shot
Once again we can see that there is a wire fence between Chris and the American Dream. He is now level with the flag (as opposed to the low angle shot) so we can see he is progressing towards achieving his dream. It is also evident that Chris' struggle to achieve his dream is starting to have an effect on his relationship with his son as a large space is beginning to grow between them. |
Technique: Mid-shot
Effect: The use of mid-shot allows us to see Chris is behind the mesh wire at the police station. This shot takes place when Chris finds out that he has to stay in the cells overnight to ensure his cheque for unpaid parking fines doesn't bounce. We can see that there is a barrier between Chris and the American flag which represents the American Dream. Technique: Long shot
This is the last shot we see in the film. One thing that is missing is the barrier between Chris and his American Dream. Chris' opportunities are endless now. He has also repaired the relationship with his son. It is also interesting to note that he is now holding his son's hand rather than the Bone Density Scanner. |
The disparity between rich and poor
Technique: Mid-shot
This shot is significant because we can see the difference between the rich and poor classes in the film. The homeless man is on the ground (asleep) and is being completely ignored by everyone passing by. You can see the feet deliberately walking around the man, indicating that society is avoiding having to deal with homelessness. Technique: Over-the-shoulder shot
This use of shot is effective because we are able to see Chris and his son look longingly at the extravagant house. The house is a bright white and is surrounded by greenery which is in a stark contrast to the dark setting of the city. The house is a stereotypical wealthy American looking house, something that Chris is striving to achieve. Technique: Mid-shot
This mid-shot allows us to see the diversity of homelessness in San Francisco in the early 1980s. Chris looks out of place in his suit and tie compared to the other homeless people. This highlights that homelessness is not always apparent and can affect anyone, something that is becoming more common in America today. |
Technique: Close-up
At the beginning of the film Chris notices that everyone coming out of the office buildings "look so damn happy". It is Chris' dream is to be happy rather than always be pursuing it. Technique: close-up shot
The close up shot of Chris' tax bill shows how important money is to Chris. It also shows us how the Government is to blame for the homelessness that we are exposed to in the film. Owing something as minimal as $34 means that Chris has $600 seized, which is the only savings he has after selling his last Bone Density Scanner. This shot is important because this is the reason him and his son become homeless. Technique: Close-up shot
Another close-up shot that shows how important money is to Chris. This shot occurs when Mr Twizzle asks Chris to cover the cost of the cab ride. From this shot we can see that Chris only has $5 in his wallet, which indicates that this is possibly the only money he has. |