Jonathan Glazer presents an explicit mix of formalism and realism in "Under the Skin". The contrasting techniques are used to present the films themes of the female body and its power and vulnerability in society. The use of realism effectively portrays the world we live in, whilst formalism is able to successfully convey the alien aspect of the film, showing the protagonist's actions to be very much other-worldy.
I look at various criticisms of formalism and realism in film and how they can be applied to "Under the Skin".
Table of Contents
1. The contrasting use of formalism and realism in Johnathan Glazer’s Under the Skin
Objectives and Themes
This paper examines how Jonathan Glazer’s film Under the Skin employs a juxtaposition of formalist and realist cinematic techniques to depict the protagonist's transition from an alien entity to a being grappling with human emotion and vulnerability.
- The theoretical application of realism and formalism in contemporary cinema.
- Analysis of stylistic choices in the film's opening and alien processing sequences.
- Exploration of documentary-style realism in the van scenes.
- Representation of the female body and human vulnerability.
- The role of non-diegetic sound and lighting in creating an eerie, inhuman atmosphere.
Excerpt from the Book
The contrasting use of formalism and realism in Johnathan Glazer’s Under the Skin
The opening sequence is noticeably stylistic, creating a tense, eerie feel to the strange scenes of what we can assume are set in space. The film begins with a completely black screen which holds for what seems like an extremely long time, in complete silence. This in itself is disconcerting to the audience as it presents nothing to offer us understanding or meaning, it also sets the tone for the tense, ambiguous opening and overall feel of the film. Eventually a small dot of light in the centre of the screen appears as a mechanic drone begins to fade in. As the spec of light gradually increases in size, the industrial sound escalates into chaotic, menacing music with dislocated voices played over the top.
The combination of images on screen and the escalating music creates a confusing effect for the audience as it is unclear as to what the images mean at this point, and the music creates a sense of anxiety. The voice sounds almost robotic, giving a sense of the inhuman and presents a sci-fi feel. At the end of the sequence the screen fades to black, then an extreme close-up of an eye is shown, suggesting that the film will be concerned with the human body, as the amount of detail shown makes the shot seem clinical. The emphasis on creative techniques such as a mise-en-scene and sound creates a visually stimulating opening in a very stylistic manner, the use of formalism enables the film to effectively present the idea of space and the inhuman.
Summary of Chapters
1. The contrasting use of formalism and realism in Johnathan Glazer’s Under the Skin: This chapter analyzes how the director oscillates between clinical, formalist visual styles and documentary-like realist sequences to bridge the gap between alien and human experiences.
Keywords
Formalism, Realism, Jonathan Glazer, Under the Skin, Scarlett Johansson, Sci-Fi, Cinematography, Mise-en-scène, Alienation, Female Body, Documentary, Jean Mitry, Irving Singer, Human Nature, Visual Aesthetics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this paper?
The paper examines the dualistic nature of Jonathan Glazer’s Under the Skin, specifically how it blends formalist and realist cinematic approaches to represent an alien entity's encounter with the human world.
What are the primary thematic fields covered?
The central themes include the collision of the alien and human worlds, the representation of the female body, the discovery of human emotion, and the vulnerability inherent in social existence.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to explore how stylistic cinematic techniques (formalism vs. realism) influence the audience's perception of the narrative and the protagonist's emotional journey.
Which scientific methods are utilized?
The author employs film theory, specifically drawing upon the works of Irving Singer and Jean Mitry, to analyze aesthetic representations and the effectiveness of narrative techniques in film.
What is covered in the main body?
The main body details the formalist nature of the film's opening, the "house" sequences, and the juxtaposition of these with the realist, documentary-style van scenes and the protagonist's solitary walks.
What defines the character of this work?
It is characterized by a formal film-theoretical analysis, an focus on aesthetic medium, and an interpretation of the film's unique blend of "found footage" realism and highly stylized sci-fi imagery.
How does the film use sound to enhance the "inhuman" aspect?
The film utilizes dislocated voices, industrial noise, and silence to create a jarring, surreal effect that distances the audience and emphasizes the protagonist's initial lack of human emotion.
Why is the "van scene" considered a prime example of realism?
The van scenes use hidden cameras and improvisation with non-actors, resulting in a documentary-like quality that contrasts sharply with the film's more abstract, formalist sequences.
What does the "ant" sequence signify?
The ant sequence is analyzed as an extreme close-up that highlights the inhuman or alien nature of the protagonist, utilizing formalist detail to evoke unease and mirror the film's title.
How does the author interpret the protagonist's interest in women?
The author views the montage of women as a pivotal formalist moment where the protagonist begins to contemplate herself as a human woman, marked by a transition from predatory behavior to a search for identity.
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- Eden Cook (Autor:in), 2015, The Contrasting Use of Formalism and Realism in Jonathan Glazer's "Under the Skin", München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/314024
