Philomena: A Film Analysis Essay

Among the many good blasts of 2013, this one has to be on my top 5 list. Directed with passion by Stephen Frears, Philomena is a film that questions your beliefs regardless of which religious sect you belong to. As a little exposition, Philomena Lee (Judi Dench), way back 1952, was impregnated out of wedlock and was hence sent forcibly to a convent where she gave birth to a male child she named Anthony. She and different young women of similar situation were only allowed to see their children once a week. This and other practices including oppression and prejudice among the nun buoys are presented well in the film in a way that could condemn the Catholic Church. These are presented in a bank none that is sarcastic and ironic, with a mood that is mild and forgiving. Visually, the blastoff and production design will bring you back to 1950s Ireland, which is extremely distinct with the present time. The cinematography is nonhing too special it was shot in polished angles, and with dim lighting to establish the gloomy surroundings the film is trying to convey. In my opinion, this is the style used to make it close at hand(predicate) to reality so it will capture the emotions of people. As the plot develops to the acclivitous action, you start rethinking near morality drawn by the strict brass instrument of the nuns. The irony will later be exemplified when you see babies sold to Americans without the live with of the mothers one of these babies was Anthony. And while he is being sent away, Philomena was watching from afar, non knowing that it is the last time she is going to see her child. The cinematography at this point was brilliant where the angle is trying to show the innocence of Anthony, and the overrefinement of Philomena through and through an over-the-shoulder shot. Fifty years later, with the help of Martin Sixsmith (Steve Coogan), the search for the missing son will begin. Martin, who was rebuilding his career in indite, initially de clined the idea of writing about Philomenas lost son. However, as he hears more about the case and discovered that Philomena was only one of the many oppressed women, he decided to do it. Together, they travelled to the United States to figure Anthony. Their journey together shows their stark differences. In most of their parleys, it is very noniceable how different their attitude in feel is. This is perfectly presented through the powerful performances by both actors, and subtle representations of their faith. Philomena believesin God, Martin doesnt. And while we see how unfortunate Philomenas life can be, her faith is still strong. Martin, equivalent probably many of the viewers, does not understand this irony.When they finally discovered who Anthony became, they found out that he died 8 years ago from AIDS. Still, they traced back his identity just to know how he lived his life. Philomena wanted to know if Anthony ever legal opinion of his hometown, or if she was ever th ought of. As the plot boils down to resolution, they will discover that Anthony went back to Ireland and that his trunk was actually buried in that same convent because he knew his mother would find him. At this point, the film is scored with instrumentals that could bring hostility and liberation. Martin despised the senior nun who kept this a secret as part of her moral standards. She did not allow Philomena to see her son even once before he passed awaya suffering considered as atonement for sin. The tone at this point is aggressive while Martin demanded the nun to apologize. The nun did not ask for forgiveness, but Philomena forgave her anyway. This, I consider, is the best part of the film. It was too clayey for her to forgive, but she did so. Why Philomena still has faith so strong patronage all that has happened to her answers why we believe. At the end of it, they will find his expunge and they will continue their lives. Martin will publish Philomenas story not to upset t he convent, but because it deserves to be heard by many. Like Philomena, we live beliefs and even though these were taught to us by people who may agony us or fail us, our faith clings to something unfailing. We believe because even if hatful are not in our hands, we have the option to embrace them. And like Martin, although we do not understand other peoples beliefs, we compliance them and we accept people for who they are. This is clearly presented when he gave a small engrave of Jesus to Philomena.The film is not chronologically narrated, with an editing technique employ flashbacks and home videos to illustrate what has happened in the past. It was well color-corrected to demonstrate tension and emotions through less-saturation. I find this very effective since the film does not hard-sell drama, and can still give a highly emotional ride. The dialogue isnothing so melodramatic and was instead written very lightly. This represents the temper of Philomena as someone who is very graceful and humane.As for the performances, both Dench and Coogan did a brilliant job in portraying their roles. Frears was able to direct them so distinguished to the characters. This is probably one of the many strengths of this film. The acting was so equilibrate with the overall mise-en-scene that it easily captures the attention and the emotion of the audience. With a story so beautifully debauched, Philomena was told with heart and passion that even if it presents horrific things, it ended with a very positive attitude that is hauntingly terrific.