The Normal Heart Film Analysis

851 Words2 Pages

The film that I’ve decided to analyze would be Ryan Murphy’s The Normal Heart. The sequence within the film that I’ve decided to analyze was not an easy choice considering this film has several amazing scenes and sequences. Nevertheless, the sequence that I’ve chosen is within the time segment of 83:15 – 85:35. The Normal Heart is a film that I truly believe to be cinematic beauty. The film follows the rise of the HIV-AIDS crisis in New York City between 1981 and 1984 through the eyes of writer/activist Ned Weeks, the founder of a prominent HIV advocacy group, portrayed by Mark Ruffalo. The film sequence that I chose is a prominent part of the film and one of the moments that stood out to me the most. It is the part where Ned Weeks comes home to find his lover Felix Turner, …show more content…

As the camera moves, you can see how the lightning almost foreshadows what is to be seen within the next few seconds. Ned walks from a well-lit room, appearing to have no idea what has occurred with Felix to walking into a dim and almost dark room. It almost signals to the audience that what’s going to happen next isn’t going to be good. Ned’s expression goes from nonchalant to surprise as he stumbles upon the scene which will most likely be reflective of the audience’s expressions. Following Ned’s gaze from the soiled sheets to Felix in the bathroom really brings out the fragility of the situation by making Felix almost appear to be somewhat angelic. The scene where Ned is washing Felix is composed of all white continuing with the angelic feel, especially with the music in the background. The cinematography and mise-en-scene in the shower and in the bathroom scene as a whole really brings forth the innocence of their situation at hand. It enhances the emotional value of the scene and makes the audience have sympathy for both Felix and Ned in this

Open Document