Transition in Welding Scene (29 August 21)

Someone asked me about the transition in this scene last week, as I'm currently missing Nevertheless bad, I want to talk about how the "calm" of this scene, and the subsequent transition, shows the calmness JE and NB managed to build in their partnership.

We begin with JE, standing almost centre in the frame. The wide shot gives us a sense of space in which to breathe. The camera is still, allowing us to observe the scene as it plays out, as naturally as possible. There's no cuts, no jarring angles, it's organic.

NB walks in, JE shifts, and they are both in the centre of frame. Again there is a sense of balance. At the same time, the still camera set at a distance lets us take in small movements. We notice that NB is still sensitive to every minute touch from JE.

Even so, JE calmly shifts and moves the wings away. And we observe NB looking on. She's still unsure, but the shot is not disturbing, especially coupled with the soft music.

Here we see our first edit, the "frost" or "smokey" effect bordering her on two ends. As the camera tracks backward, this is to make the cut to the next shot, when we start to see the blurred edges of the wings.

As we track backwards, we "close scene" with the artist NB, and the artist's art "enters the scene" - a visual metaphor. The charred, tattered wings show how NB herself has been hurt, and yet pulling back, we see the full span of each wing. Quite the sight.

It's only when NB comes into view at the side of the frame that we realise that time has passed. This passing of time, like the transition, has been smooth. Time spent fixing the sculpture with JE, who is also revealed to be there, has thus been smooth.

They both admire their work together, the work that the prof knew would be great if they figured out each other's strengths. Somehow, in all the misunderstanding, confusion, pain - they found each other's strength and made something beautiful.

Yet the sculpture is not the fully completed piece because NB still has some ways to go. It's a journey she has to take alone. Self-reflection, figuring out her feelings, her desires, herself. That occurs when JE leaves, marking the second chapter of the episode.

doramaticbites

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