Deconstruction

One of my favorite films is “The Terminal.” Overall film is about the main character Viktor, who is forced to stay at the airport for nine months due to a national coup. Even though most of the scenes are set inside the airport, the film is full of unique drama and artistic appreciation thanks to the audio-visual means. The scene I have chosen is when Viktor Navorski realized his hometown Krakozhia is in crisis.

Firstly, the scene is in cool tones, representing Viktor’s inner grayness, disappointment, and post-apocalyptic mentality after knowing that his hometown is in crisis. Tom Hanks shaped the inner emotions of Viktor’s character to the fullest. For example, when Viktor saw on TV that his country was at war, he could no longer calm down and showed his extreme sadness and panic. What’s more, he panicked fumbling with the TV; language difficulties so he used sign language to ask for help; twitchy facial expressions. Especially the swallowing action when talking to the Red Carpet Club staff, which reflected his sense of suffocation and helplessness.

In the shooting, this scene used moving shots and tracking shots, through the camera’s movement to open up the shape of the space of the picture, the performance of large scenes with the effect of grandeur. For example, in a public place like an airport, where there is plenty of space and a lot of people, Viktor’s state of being out of place and helpless is highlighted. The moving shots show a complete and coherent picture space–Running anxiously from the elevator to the Red Carpet Club. Another point is when he tries to call for help, but no one is willing to help him. The director uses a pull-out shot to bring new visual elements into the picture, from the individual to the whole. It helps to show the relationship between Viktor and the environment he is in. Moreover, he stands in front of the automatic doors of the Red Carpet Club, a close-up shot here highlights the inner of Viktor’s mind and the details of his character, with tears in his eyes and his hand clenched in his mouth as he looks at the war news on the Television, but the automatic doors shut mercilessly. It also implies hope being dashed. Overall, the layout of this scene is appropriate. In terms of the soundtracks used, then progressively stronger melody, gradually tension and sadness, very cleverly in line with the mood of Viktor at the time.

On the other hand, it could intersperse a few shots of other passengers at the airport enjoying their trip or reuniting with their families, while adding some shots of Viktor muttering in despair, to emphasising Viktor’s dilemma and desperation. Plus, if his costume can be a little more shabby would be better. That forms a clearer contrast with modern New York city. I am trying to maximize the comparison between the small character and the entire environment. Trying some different or tiny changes might give it a different visual experience.