Set in Massachusetts in the 1950's, the film "School Ties" directed by Robert Mandel involves an important setting at a boarding school in St Matthews, which helps me understand the character David Greene. It helps me understand his true connection with his religion and that he stands up for his beliefs. Mandel uses effective film techniques for the location, lighting, weather and atmosphere to help me understand Greene's character.
The setting that Mandel creates takes place behind Iselin Hall, the main building of the school. Its set late at night and all the boarders are about to go to sleep, except for David Greene who is standing outside in the rain challenging someone to fight him. Its pitch black in the background but the foreground is lit with old street lamps and the boarding room lights. Tall trees hang over Greene, but nothing terrifies him because that's the character he is, a strong and able man. Why did he do this? Because he is not weak and he stands up for his beliefs. The reason why he's in this situation is because his football teammates discriminated his religion by making a sign saying "Go home Jew" with a swastika, which triggers Greene's fury. This is shown with a medium shot to show his anger and stance to show the viewer how offended he is. This outdoor setting at the back of Iselin Hall, the main building of a non-Jewish boarding school, helped me understand David Greene's character that he stands up for his religion and doesn't let anyone get away with anything or anyone who discriminates it.
Mandel uses a range of techniques in this setting to help me understand David's personality, such as location. Greene is seen standing on the ground behind a very large building with a high angle shot which makes the viewer