Cinematic Techniques In To Kill A Mockingbird

Emily Jasmin
ENG 282
November 10, 2015
Film Analysis for To Kill A Mockingbird The classic film To Kill A Mockingbird, directed by Robert Mulligan, is well known for its successful adaption of the Pulitzer Prize novel by Harper Lee. Within the film there are many cinematic techniques utilized to highlight and demonstrate the significance of themes, character development, and the establishment of the atmosphere. The techniques that display these elements feature many uses of lighting and sound. These are all employed by the use of black and white film, the lighting effects, by Boo Radley’s characterization, and the use of diegetic sound effects. While these are only a few of the cinematic techniques employed throughout the film, lighting and …show more content…
This could be done for several reasons. It is possible that the director wanted it to be an accurate depiction of the setting of the film in the early 1930s, where black and white films were of commonplace. Some viewers speculate that the film was done in black and white to emphasize one of the key themes of civil rights inequality. The world during that time continuously dawned upon the racial viewpoint that everything either qualified as black or white. As this was demonstrated throughout the film, especially of the case against Tom Robinson, it helped further demonstrate the point that blacks would not be considered equal to whites. Of course, it is also thought that it was shot in black and white because it was cheaper. Regardless of that notion, this technique expressed significance for the time period, the importance of the racial inequality theme, and even emphasized the characterization of each character so as color would not take away from each …show more content…
In the scarier scenes of the film, low-key lighting was utilized to indicate that something terrifying was about to happen. This is a popular technique with horror and thriller films where shadows and hard lights are incorporated to give that effect. This type of lighting can stir up fear and tension in the viewers as it easily grabs the attention of the audience. A few examples of the low-key lighting for the more frightening scenes include the ending conflict in which Bob Ewell sneaks up on Jem and Scout with means of attacking them before Boo Radley saves them. Another example would be the time in which Dill, Scout, and Jem try to spy on the Radley house. The rest of the film was shot more in mid-key lighting, as it remained more stagnant. When a scene was to be portrayed as being more relaxed or happy, the lighting was much brighter. This was applied in the breakfast scene before Scout and Jem’s first day of school. The setting of the kitchen was rather bright while the family was together; signifying a place where Scout and Jem felt more comfortable and content with their surroundings. The correct utilization of lighting helps the audience successfully feel the emotions they are intended to feel throughout the film. When the viewers are intended to be fearful, low-key light is used and when they are intended to be content mid to high key light is

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