Analysis Of Run Lola Run
To create an audience's understanding of themes and concepts, a director composes his film using the language of the moving image. Mise-en-scene, cinematography, editing, and sound contribute to a story's meaning through a person's experiences or journey. German film Run Lola Run (1998), directed by Tom Tykwer, follows the journey of the protagonist, Lola, in an exhilarating, fast paced action film which delves into the theme of the power of time.
In film, mise-en-scene is an umbrella term used to explain the composition inside the framing of shots. This refers to - but is not limited to - the costumes, settings and lighting in the film. Run Lola Run utilises these elements to convey the theme that time is constantly of the essence. For
example, Lola is seen wearing a denim jacket while out buying cigarettes. However, every other moment in this movie she is seen without it. This is to convince the audience that she has left the house hurriedly, with no time for thought regarding the weather outside in chilly Berlin. Other than the discerning choice of clothing, Lola's bright red, messy hair is the focus of her appearance. Red symbolises anxiety and energy, therefore suitable for maintain the dramatic urgency; reinforcing the passing of time. The environment in this particular shot also plays a key role when conveying the power of time. If Lola wasn't situated in a convenience store, having to converse with the storekeeper, she may have noticed the theft of her scooter faster. Without this setting, the scene would have lost its urgency and intensity. Although the mise-en-scene has been in collaboration with cinematography, the cinematography in this film must be discussed separately.
Cinematography is the art of the moving image and how it's shot. There is a multitude of shot sizes and camera angles in Run Lola Run. Run Lola Run is a movie in which certain props are utilised to further the plot. Shot 1 onwards utilises close-ups while Manni and Lola converse over the phone. These close-ups show their desperation and are vital for maintaining the film's theme of 'time is of the essence'. With short, fast-paced shots, such as shot 6, the feeling of urgency is aroused.
One of the most essential features of the making of a film is editing. An editor with a discerning eye will arrange the shots to position the audience - deciding what you are to see and for how long. The duration and pacing of shots in editing is imperative and guides a viewer's emotional response to a scene. As Run Lola Run revolves around the theme of time, the pacing of the editing is essential when conveying the struggle to beat the clock. As you may have noticed when reading my shot list, the shots in this movie are generally rather short. This is intentional as it keeps the pacing fast and cements the inevitable force of time. It is also significant to note the use of a wipe to transition between shots two and three. A wipe is a sweeping transition from one shot to the next. In Run Lola Run, this signifies that time is passing quickly.
In addition to the fast-paced editing, the music and sound also contribute to the velocity and pacing of the Run Lola Run. The music playing from shots one to ten remains steadily fast and upbeat, somewhat mimicking the beat of a panicked heart. This amplifies the anxiety of Lola and Manni as they hit the realisation that the amount of time they have left is quickly diminishing.
Time in Run Lola Run is an important theme that constantly reoccurs through the whole movie through skilful execution of mise-en-scene, cinematography, editing and sound.
In film, mise-en-scene is an umbrella term used to explain the composition inside the framing of shots. This refers to - but is not limited to - the costumes, settings and lighting in the film. Run Lola Run utilises these elements to convey the theme that time is constantly of the essence. For
example, Lola is seen wearing a denim jacket while out buying cigarettes. However, every other moment in this movie she is seen without it. This is to convince the audience that she has left the house hurriedly, with no time for thought regarding the weather outside in chilly Berlin. Other than the discerning choice of clothing, Lola's bright red, messy hair is the focus of her appearance. Red symbolises anxiety and energy, therefore suitable for maintain the dramatic urgency; reinforcing the passing of time. The environment in this particular shot also plays a key role when conveying the power of time. If Lola wasn't situated in a convenience store, having to converse with the storekeeper, she may have noticed the theft of her scooter faster. Without this setting, the scene would have lost its urgency and intensity. Although the mise-en-scene has been in collaboration with cinematography, the cinematography in this film must be discussed separately.
Cinematography is the art of the moving image and how it's shot. There is a multitude of shot sizes and camera angles in Run Lola Run. Run Lola Run is a movie in which certain props are utilised to further the plot. Shot 1 onwards utilises close-ups while Manni and Lola converse over the phone. These close-ups show their desperation and are vital for maintaining the film's theme of 'time is of the essence'. With short, fast-paced shots, such as shot 6, the feeling of urgency is aroused.
One of the most essential features of the making of a film is editing. An editor with a discerning eye will arrange the shots to position the audience - deciding what you are to see and for how long. The duration and pacing of shots in editing is imperative and guides a viewer's emotional response to a scene. As Run Lola Run revolves around the theme of time, the pacing of the editing is essential when conveying the struggle to beat the clock. As you may have noticed when reading my shot list, the shots in this movie are generally rather short. This is intentional as it keeps the pacing fast and cements the inevitable force of time. It is also significant to note the use of a wipe to transition between shots two and three. A wipe is a sweeping transition from one shot to the next. In Run Lola Run, this signifies that time is passing quickly.
In addition to the fast-paced editing, the music and sound also contribute to the velocity and pacing of the Run Lola Run. The music playing from shots one to ten remains steadily fast and upbeat, somewhat mimicking the beat of a panicked heart. This amplifies the anxiety of Lola and Manni as they hit the realisation that the amount of time they have left is quickly diminishing.
Time in Run Lola Run is an important theme that constantly reoccurs through the whole movie through skilful execution of mise-en-scene, cinematography, editing and sound.