Significance of Auditory and Visual Components

Auditory and visual components play a vital role in the way a scene is interpreted by the viewer. These two factors hold the capability to manipulate the viewers’ emotions, sensations, and perceptions throughout the duration of the film. These factors also play a role in enhancing the meaning of the play, making it more palatable for the audience. An example of this can be seen when Oliver Parker took on the challenge of incorporating audio and video into Wilde’s play, The Importance of Being Earnest. He undoubtedly succeeded in doing so without even minutely altering the meaning of the play. He made use of a variety of visual and auditory aids to emphasize era, emotion and locality.

Parker made use of costumes for both male and female characters to promote the fashion that was dominant in London during the 1890s. This comprised of elegant long dresses with complementary hats for women and sack coats for the men. Such attire was suitable for informal and semi-formal events. The significance of this in the film is that it aided the modern audience to visualize the particular period during which the play took place. Furthermore, Parker made intricate use of furniture accompanied with his interior designing skills to depict the time period they were in. This further aided the audience to picture the households the characters lived in. An aspect one may not be able to imagine from the limited stage settings mentioned in the play. It can be noted from the movie that the more elaborately decorated the household, the higher the social class of the person.

Another vital visual component that was implemented in the film of the play was the use of facial expressions. Appropriate facial expressions are fundamental for the audience as they a...

... middle of paper ...

...ing something, which is imperative to the plot of the play and many of them use this to their advantage.

Another vital use of auditory aid in the film was the sound of nature. Every time there was a scene that was outside, sounds such chirping of birds could be heard which made the scene more realistic and believable.

To emphasize era, emotion and locality, Parker uses a variety of visual and auditory devices. With the combination of all these aspects, he made Wilde’s play come alive. He made it more appealing to the contemporary audience. In today’s day and age, the fashion of watching theatrical plays is dying out. However, Parker took this to his advantage and created a movie in order to allow the current generation to sit back and enjoy a film with effects, transitions, modern lighting and no scene changes whilst still enjoying an English literature classic.