Assignment 2 Part 2
This scene is from an Australian film Babyteeth, it is the very firt scene of the entire film that introduces the two main characters. The first shot of this scene is an establishing shot of Mila (Eliza Scanlen) standing waiting for the train, in her private girl’s school uniform, with her violin in hand, and Moses (Toby Wallace) crouching down a few meters behind her. This introduces both the leads, and immediately establishes their contrasting socio-economic classes. Based on Moses’s physical stance, it initially makes the audience skeptical of him, seeing if he is threatening or not. Moses then eyes Mila up and down, we now see his blood shot eyes, face tattoos and his shirt almost open down to the last button. This indicates he may be on drugs, heightening the tension as it alerts the audience for Mila’s safety. Toby uses a hand movement of his finger in his mouth almost, as he continues to stare her up and down, an interesting choice as it seems like he is preying on her. The first shot of Mila is an extreme close up, showing her uncomfortable at this figure lurking behind her. She is still, then she almost looks down the barrel in the camera, making the audience feel connected with her, and feel her discomfort. He compliments her hair, but it is clear that she is still uncomfortable as she fidgets and her eyes are darting back and fourth, and turns back to wait for the train not wanting to engage with him. She interestingly then darts around and compliments him back, with a confidence that we weren’t expecting based on her previous behaviour. This relaxes the audience, showing that she may be okay with his approach. It is still close up on Mila giving us closer access to her thoughts. This invited Moses to get up and come close to Mila as he shows his hair to her, this is the first time they are physically close to each other, and she seems slightly apprehensive but more intrigued. She slowly and timidly touches his hair, getting to know him. They are both using a casual, naturalistic speaking voice, which indicates their instant comfort and ease with each other. The pairs stark contrast of physicality and wardrobe further show they come from two different worlds, yet their behaviour and interest in one another suggests their instant connection that will develop through out the course of the film. Although Moses is suggested to be a threatening person at the beginning of the scene, who is in an altered state of consciousness, his gentle approach and genuine intrigue in Mila makes the audience root for him and their relationship. The two then proceed to get on the train together, and their story has been established.