Boy it’s been a while since I’ve done one of these. I’ve been reading Richard D. Pepperman’s, “Film School: How to Watch DVDs and Learn Everything About Filmmaking.” It’s a great book that plants seeds in your brain so you have the tools to start seeing things you never saw before. As a result,  when I watch Cast Away the other night, I noticed a few things about a scene involving objects. There’s a chapter in Pepperman’s book on how objects can be used to drive a scene or even enhance acting by adding a layer of richness or realism to it. The examples in the book were very good, and I’m glad I’m able to see this stuff now. I’ve called this, “Part 1,” to open up the possibility of doing further studies (like I’ve done with the Villain posts), but who knows if I will. I’m still not finished with that series, as I’m doing them as I learn. Remember this blog is essentially one big learning curve journal for.

Anyways, in this scene from Cast Away (spoiler alert: look away now if you haven’t seen the film) Chuck has finally come home after four years. He stands at the door step of his ex-girlfriend/fiance’s home who he hasn’t seen in as many years. He’s filled with a lot of conflicting emotions. She is all he thought about the whole time he was stranded on the island. She gave him the strength to escape, and he promised himself he would see her face again. But she, thinking he had died, has remarried and has kids. This moment is not how he dreamed it would be, but very empty and sad. He can see her, but he can’t be with her. The same is true of her, both characters display and incredible amount of emotional restraint which, if you watch the whole film, you can really feel. This is why this is one of my favorite films. Okay, so now watch the scene:

Avi

Here’s the list of objects that drive this scene/sequence:

  1. Towel
  2. Coffee Grinds
  3. Photos on Freezer Door
  4. Milk
  5. Heirloom Watch
  6. Maps and Newspapers
  7. Car
  8. Child Car Seat
  9. Car

There’s a number of other objects in the scene/sequence that play their part (coffee cup, baby carriage, car keys, etc), but these are the main objects that really drive the action and dialogue. Here’s a play by play describing how they drive the scene:

Remember, there’s so much emotion being held back by both characters. There is so much they want to say (and do) to each other, but they can’t. So they need these objects to fill in the dry or awkward spots in the conversation. The scene/sequence starts with a hug. Jenny realizes Chuck is soaked from the rain, so she gets him a towel. This is another way of moving things along and avoiding the mutually desired kiss. She offers him coffee. There’s a great over the shoulder shot of Chuck walking into the kitchen towards Jenny. She goes to get the coffee grinds, opening the freezer door covered with photos of her daughter, which stops Chuck walking, but progresses the scene forward with conversation about Jenny’s daughter. Jenny asks Chuck about milk, pulling from memory, something familiar to keep the conversation going. Notice that Chuck is leaning on a book shelf with his back to two pictures on either side of him. On his right, is a wedding photo of Jenny with her new husband. On his left, a picture of Jenny with her daughter. Later, Chuck gives Jenny back the heirloom watch she gave him. She wants him to keep it, but he refuses and backs away, turning, and awkwardly searching for what to do next. He notices a bunch of maps and newspapers on the dining room table behind him. After some conversation they start getting closer. To avoid another near kiss, Jenny takes him to the garage to show him she’s kept his old car. She gives it back to him, but removes a child car seat from the back. Chuck asks her about having more kids. Chuck gets in the car and Jenny stands by the driver’s side. This jogs Jenny’s memory. The same car, the same situation: one of them in the driver’s seat, the other standing beside it, he’s leaving. They finally kiss. Later the emotional flood gates open (not in the clip).

Cool eh? I’m sure there’s some stuff I missed, but I look forward to spotting these things in the future. Now I have to watch all my favorite films again!