Bartholomew's Final Analysis Paper

Bartholomew’s Song Final Analysis Paper

Bartholomew’s Song tells the story of a strict dystopian future society, where each person is named Bartholomew followed by a number. All day long, they are forced to perform monotonous work at a wall-stopper factory. But one day, the monotony is interrupted by a mysterious music box, confronting pre-programmed Bartholomew #467 with a new decision: stay in line or step out and suffer great consequences. He chooses to step out of line, breaking the reoccurring film pattern, which ultimately results in him to be re-programmed. This short film does not only use a variety of film techniques but it is definitely relevant for the times we are living in today.

Without the use of certain film techniques this short would have been unsuccessful in portraying its underlining message and appealing to the viewer. The use of mise-en-scene, cinematography, and patterns really make the film pop and break away from other shorts and movies. Without the use of these film techniques, the director wouldn’t have been able to pull off the effect it was going for. As a matter of fact the short pulled off the effects so well, it makes us relate and connect to larger issues present in society today. For example I couldn’t help but to relate to North Korea and it’s closed, totalitarian society while watching the movie. Or even the Foxxconn workers in China, which do the same things over and over again in horrible factory conditions without breaks. This movie and it’s effects really make us think outside the box like it’s director did when creating it.

Mise-en-scene was a HUGE aspect of the film used and it’s very obvious. Mise-en-scene is best summed up and described as “the overall look and feel of a movie.” (155) The unique visual atmosphere this film creates with it’s characters, outfits, and general design are perhaps the most important and predominant film element used. The design and feel...