Blog Entry 16: Scene-Response

The scene I selected from the movie, O, which I found to be profoundly effective in establishing a turning point in the film is scene 14; the Dunk Contest. Prior to this scene Odin has been slowly coerced by Hugo into believing, through a series of deceptive set-ups, that his girlfriend, Desi, was cheating on him with his best friend. Rage, jealousy, and anger escalate, reaching a boiling point which becomes inarguably evident in this scene.

There is very little dialogue in the Dunk Contest scene; simply the essence of all-consuming anger in Odin’s facial expressions and body language. He demonstrates disturbing behavior, which is completely out of character for Odin, especially to those who know him well. He stares down those in the audience who have offended him as he dribbles the basketball over and over, fixed on the hoop which is about to meet its demise.

Some of the film techniques that are apparent in this scene are the use of slow motion follow shots, using a crane camera for high-angle shots paired with alternating close-up, medium, and wide shots to highlight the brewing conflict. They are used to ensure the viewer’s unyielding attention while following Odin’s every move and fixed expression in great detail. Panning back and forth from Odin to his friends in the audience allows the viewer to become part of the moment through the use of cross-cutting, which shows the concern, emotional connection, conflict, and disturbance taking place between the characters. Odin has been suddenly transformed into a stranger to those who know and love him. He has slipped back into a role as the “boy from the hood,” who trusts no one and once again tucks his emotions deep inside.

The importance of this scene is to establish a point of no return in the tragedy which is about to unfold. Odin no longer cares about the consequences ahead as jealousy consumes his entire being. The viewer recognizes at this point that the tragic events expected to befall the primary characters are imminent. I found myself riveted by the intensity with which this was portrayed. Watching this scene, I concluded that Odin perhaps has demons that still haunt him from his past, demons that he obviously cannot control once jealousy rears its ugly head.