Sling Blade Character Analysis Essay

The scene in Sling Blade which our class watched effectively created characterization for the character known as Carl. To begin the scene, it starts with Carl sitting and listening to a fellow in the same institution. A doctor interrupts his talking and says “there are some people for you to see”. The look on the man interrupted is dumbfounded. I can infer this is because Carl doesn't receive many visitors. This is the author’s first note of characterization. It shows that Carl wasn't a very popular man. Also throughout the scene there are dimmed lights, which make the audience believe that Carl is a dark person. He killed a man, and he never talks, all daunting characteristics which also contribute to the dark persona Carl seems to be carrying.
He does this by using a tranquil voice and informing Carl “it’s a woman” which makes us question Carl’s character. Carl could be sexist, he might have killed a woman, or the doctor may just be saying this to persuade Carl into going. The doctor then enters a room with two women, he makes one of them leave, he turns the lights off, and then informs the interviewer that “Carl doesn't like to answer questions”. The detail that the doctor is taking so many reforms to reassure Carl’s satisfaction is rightly acknowledged by the interviewer when she asks what is stopping him from killing again. It also proves that the minor details shown by the doctor are proof that he doesn't believe Carl is ready to leave. This is a massive reflection on Carl’s character, showing that he is like a ticking time bomb waiting to explode. Carl finally enters the room and the audience is able to hear his first words. The transition can be felt by the viewer when the camera focuses in on Carl. His speech is raspy, and he is confined in his posture, fiddling with his hands. This shows low self-esteem which is also conveyed in his interview. He opens up to everyone in the