Suture

Suture

A medical term, literally means to stitch up. In film theory this is the process whereby the spectator is 'stiched up' in the filmic text. One application of this is the shot/ reverse-angle shot. The series of shots establishes the viewpoint of two characters, allowing the spectator to adopt the first one, and then another position.
Thus the spectator makes sense of off-screen space and becomes 'stitched' into the film.

Initially, the spectator adopts A's position and looks at B. This is an idealised image (like the child looking into the mirror); the spectator is caught up in the delusion of the unreal.

The reverse angle shot reveals B's viewpoint. The spectator is sutured back into the illusion. Off-screen space becomes on-screen space.

Ideology and suture 

The notion behind suture is that it renders the film's signifying practices invisible; therefore, the spectator's ability to read or decode the film remains limited.

It is therefore theorised that the system allows the film's ideological messages to be slipped in unnoticed and become absorbed by the spectator.

Film is thus hegemonic (ruling or dominant in a political or social context.) rather than a reflection of reality.

So in Hollywood, we are presented with an unquestioning idea of the idealise of American values.


Scene
Micro features
Narrative features and ideological analysis
01:09:00-01:17:00




























 The Oedipal trajectory

















Mise-en-scene
















Cinematography
- Mia 'rejects her mother' in this situation by ignoring her mother and neglecting her relationship with Conner. Joanne can't provide Mia with a penis, and due to her "penis envy", Mia turns to her father to provide her with it. Mia still desires her mother, as shown in the final dance scene, but must turn away from her and conform to male subjectivity.

 - Supporting factors and subliminal fallic imagery such as the lava lamp shown and the way
the way Conner holds his Vodka bottle between his legs.

- Further Oedipal supporting factors occurs at exactly 01:14:20, where a shot previewing
the duality Mia and Conner's relationship - Mia rests her head on Conner's shoulder as he
acts like a father figure to her, yet the scene which follows shows her true envy

 - The extreme close up shot just as soon as they start the intercourse marks the moment Mia
fulfils the trajectory and again conforms to male subjectivity.

 - Furthermore, the male subjectivity may change, and when Mia attempts to oppose Conners
new ideology (distancing himself heavily from Mia and Joanne) by going to his suburban
home and acting destructively - she is punished .

- Palm tree backdrop (wallpaper) and street light shining in as sunset = Mia's desire to escape;
light source also has connotation of spotlight / stage-light. Feminism - Conner is dominant, demonstrating a lack of equality - he is very
manipulative; she is quick to do as she is asked - she conforms to the social norms of patriarchal dominance - she is the passive site for
male objectification.

 - Framing = Use of over the shoulder shots, BUT only from Mia's perspective (Over the shoulder to connor) -Mia herself is isolated
from the frame (no Conner). - the camera never leaves Mia - therefore the spectator aligns with her. Mia often at three-quarter angle or
in profile. However, what she is doing is taboo - subverts the notion that they are conforming to societal norms - is it therefore a critique
of social norms? This links back to conner's manipulation and domination

- Costuming - Mia in pyjamas - venerable - Connor takes advantage.

 -1:14:20 - binary opposition - Mia in light, Conner in darkness.


-Shots of Mia's waistline towards Conner - shows his gaze upon her body.









- Multiple close ups of Mia's Body when she dances.

- Camera is angled down to conner as he sprawls on the settee


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