Mum shouting at Chiron themes
Themes: coming of age, childhood trauma, drug abuse, neglect, relationships, family dynamic, abuse of power
Mum shouting: cinematography
mid shot of Chiron stood followed by mid shot of mum (distant relationship)
shot reverse shot
after SRS shot becomes a closer mid shot
mid shot as she walks into room
mid shot of door closing
Final shots are mid shots of both empty spaces- no relationship left- both last their battles (mum to drugs, Chiron wanting to say more but can’t)
MES mum shouting Chiron’s side
Chiron’s side:
-Proxemics-separated by camera, far proximity- emotional distance,
-Low-key lighting- melancholy
-Performance- blank expression, emotionally numb?, looking up at her- she is supposed to look after him and he is seeking that. Just stands there and takes her anger (his lack of power), then walks out of frame after she leaves
-looks down after she shouts- doubts himself, insecure, inner conflict
Coming of age: he doesn’t belong, loss of innocence ( he knows she is taking drugs), inner conflict, navigating relationships, rocky home environment- needs to get out
MES shouting mum’s side
Mum’s side:
-Pink lighting coming out of room- going to take drugs
-Walls surrounding grey- only feel good when taking drugs, trapped?
-Costume: red top- anger, danger to him, emotions intensified by drug abuse
-Colour palette- bright from other room, dull everywhere else
-Performance: disgusted facial expression, looking down at him, tense, screams at him, maintains eye contact when walking away, abuse of power
Posture- leans down to his level to shout at him, dominant, patronising
-Door closes and pink light disappears, Chiron left to deal with after effects
Mum shouting: sound
Non diegetic sound bridge of parallel score from previous scene into this one
Score returns through important moments in his life( childhood trauma is carried with you)- him moving through life
Shows he knows what she is doing in that room even if he is young- loss of innocence
Intense, minor, parallel score
No audio for dialogue
Music slows as she shouts
Mum shouting: editing
Shot reverse shot between Chiron and Mum
Slow motion- intensifies, affects of drugs, emphasises the moment and affect it will have on Chiron and their relationship, makes moment feel longer
no belonging at home
Meaning of this scene
-Turbulent parent child relationship, no communication between the two both walk away
-Affects of childhood trauma- repetition of score and scene
-Scene is repeated at beginning of Chiron’s adult life- it goes from her walking out of room (backwards) this time including the sound and in normal pace- lingering affect
-family dynamic- mum is his only blood family we are shown yet she doesn’t act like his family- (blood vs chosen family)
-Abuse of power- She uses her position of power as parent (even if she doesn’t act like one) to silence Chiron and emotionally abuse him and neglect him
How does this scene show Coming of age
Conforms to regular genre conventions with film form:
maturing, loss of innocence, personal growth, social pressures, relationships (strained), substance abuse, inner conflict, belonging
This scene: Chiron’s distant relationship with mum, no belonging in own family, trying to navigate his home life and his mum’s issues. Having to deal with things like substance abuse at such young age. Shows his maturity facing major dilemmas like an absent mother. Major dramatic moment in his life.
