Theatrical Techniques Used In Cinderella Man

The film Cinderella Man focuses on the main character, James Braddock, an ex-boxer, who loses his job due to the Great Depression.
Not over analyzing, the film may seem as though the intended audience is for ex-boxers or for those who lived through the difficult times of the Great Depression, but, analyzing the film more thoroughly, it seems as though the intent is to aim for those who have suffered or are in the midst of suffering poverty and for those who lack determination or a support system such as family or friends. This film portrays a powerful message and, in a sense, has become very important. Cinderella Man is a film in which intends to inspire and motivate people to do better, become better, be great and arise from difficult times in order to turn things around for themselves. The film demonstrates various important messages such as the importance of family. James Braddock fights and does everything in his power to provide for his family. He takes up the dangerous boxing job, putting himself at risk, in order for his family to avoid suffering. James portrays what love for others is capable of making you do.

There are several theatrical devices used throughout the film.

The costumes used in Cinderella Man for James’ family appeared disheveled in order to provoke feelings of pity from the audience, allowing the audience to recognize and understand the difficult times James and his family were undergoing. Throughout the film, both low and high lighting were used. Low lighting was used in the majority of the film in order to dramatize scenes and evoke sadness and worry from the audience. High lighting was less frequently used throughout the film, but, was used specifically in many fighting scenes. This occurred in order to grab the audience’s attention and bring them to feelings of excitement, adrenaline, and

action.
Throughout the film, several cinematic devices were used. Handheld cameras were used in order to convey the impression of presence in the action scenes, making the viewers feel as though they were present in the film witnessing live action. Close up shots were used in the film mainly to make the actor’s emotions become more visible and more easily communicated to the audience. This was also present in order to allow the viewers to understand and grasp what the actor was feeling in that specific moment.
Cinderella Man clearly displayed the use of several various literary devices. Characterization was used in Cinderella Man in order to display James Braddock’s character development through his perseverance in difficult times. Bildungsroman is the literary device in which the author bases a lot of the film on the growth and progression of the main character, in this case being James Braddock. In the film, James and his family were facing extreme poverty. James grew as a character facing his struggles in order to provide for his family and follow his dreams. No matter how difficult or dangerous the situation had become for James, he displayed determination and perseverance.