Tenth International Conference on The Image

Abstract

I analyze visualization of power dynamics focusing on symmetrical versus asymmetrical frame works in film. When an organization/person is yearning for power or are in power, they are framed in symmetrical composition, and the structure of hardware where they are situated such as buildings, interior design, clothing etc. tends to be symmetrical. An organization/person careless about gaining any type of power tends to be in an asymmetrical structure or in asymmetrically framed composition. Through this paper, I focus on compositional elements in films and analyze various architectural and plastic forms appearing in cinema, and then drew connections to how power dynamics are visually iterated between and among characters and entities in films. I pulled many visual examples from Wes Anderson, an American film director’s films, and Hirokazu Kore-eda, a Japanese film director’s films.