How The Film ‘let Him Essay Example

home by authorities. This scene is included to evoke sympathy for Bentley.

Bentley experienced challenges at the approved school and feels more comfortable in his own home. However, he struggles with confidence when meeting new people and socializing. It took him a year to regain his self-assurance, during which time he avoided leaving his room or spending time with friends. Iris shows her caring for her brother by giving him comics as entertainment. When Derek opens the curtains, he shields himself from the bright sunlight using his arm, indicating that he is not used to such lighting and keeps his head down.

Bentley's stress was evident in the smoke-filled room from his chain-smoking. In an attempt to gain sympathy for Derek, Medak includes a scene on the roof where the friends attempt to break into a warehouse. As they prepare to climb over the gates, Craig hands Bentley a knuckle-duster as a gesture of friendship, and they agree to use it if necessary. However, their panicked reaction to police sirens highlights the tense situation.

The police officers climbed up to the rooftop where Craig and Derek were located. Despite attempts by the police to negotiate with Craig, who was armed, he ignored them and injured one of the officers. As the police approached Craig, Derek became more scared and nervous, causing him to shout at Chris, "Let him have it." The police misunderstood this statement and believed it was a command to use violence against them. Consequently, Craig fired one shot which killed an innocent officer.

The reason for the sympathy towards Derek in the moment is due to his attempt to aid the police, however, he

is prevented and detained by the other officers. Medak introduces a section where Craig fires aimlessly into the air in order to emphasize his unyielding nature in contrast to Derek's willingness to surrender, while Chris attempts to fight his way out. Furthermore, it can be inferred that Derek may have endured physical harassment from the officers during his descent down the steps as he was found with bruises and dark patches on his face. The trial scene additionally elicits empathy for Derek as he appears bewildered and frightened, constantly keeping his head down.

As the camera focuses on the face of Derek, it reveals the cuts and bruises inflicted by the police officers during his arrest, eliciting sympathy. The camera also captures the key figures in the courtroom such as his family and the judge as well as the jury. The judge's statement, "Are you going to say they are conspicuous lies?" gave an impression of bias towards the officers. During Derek's questioning by the prosecutor, he sought reassurance from his sister and looked to his friends and family for help, responding slowly due to his mental disability. In contrast, Chris Craig smirked throughout the trial, indicating his lack of concern regarding his impending sentence as he wishes to emulate his incarcerated brother and knows that he cannot receive capital punishment due to his age.

During the courtroom trial, there are various elements that add to the tense atmosphere. The plaintiff, Derek, appears sympathetic due to his arm being in a sling. Additionally, the trapped feeling of the people present creates tension for both victims. Whenever Derek becomes tense or struggles to answer a question, there

is a sudden sound of a violin. Throughout the trial, Bentley maintains a polite demeanor towards the judge, always addressing him with phrases such as "Yes sir" and "No sir." Finally, upon hearing the verdict for Bentley, there is an audible inward breath from the audience, creating sympathy for Derek.

His facial expression was initially showing shock when the verdict for Craig was revealed, but he maintained a smirk and even chuckled a bit. Yet, upon facing Bentley, his demeanor softened, conveying remorse for his actions. As Bentley was taken away to a cell, the lighting dimmed, possibly foreshadowing his permanent confinement. The ultimate and most intense scene involved the execution of the alleged killers.

The scene begins with a bird's-eye view of the family's living room where they are gathered together mourning their oldest son's execution. This is juxtaposed with a later scene in the same room, which is filled with the sounds of crying. The camera then shifts to Derek sitting on the floor of his cell, praying and working through his feelings of hate, prompting sympathy from viewers. The scene then transitions to Bentley's house, where the families embrace and weep together.

Through their actions, the officers demonstrate a lack of empathy towards Derek and his family during his execution. In an attempt to calm him, they offer him whiskey moments before securing him and executing him without allowing him any last words. This lack of consideration for Derek's humanity is callous and inhumane.

At the execution site, there is a group of people with banners who pray for Derek, proclaiming his innocence. The atmosphere is filled with the sound of the mournful family and the

singing people. The family wear dull clothing, indicative of their sadness. Derek's final glimpse of light is obscured by a black cloth and a deep gasp resonates. He struggles to hold back tears as he approaches the noose, indicating his fear of death. The camera's focus on the house represents Bentley's return home and reunion with his loved ones.

Peter Medak, the director of the film, employs various techniques including camera shots, costume, lighting, and facial expressions to generate sympathy for Derek Bentley and convince the viewers that the punishment meted out to him is unjust. The execution scene, which was Bentley's last few minutes to live, evokes the greatest sympathy from the audience. Furthermore, the prosecutor resorts to emotive language against both Derek and Craig in an attempt to influence the jury to make a favorable decision. Ultimately, both the judge and jury have made their decision.