Million Dollar Baby: Visual Language Analysis Essay Example

the top of the wall, my attention was captured by the foreground lights being switched off, which led me to focus on the illuminated circles on the ceiling. These circles then directed my gaze towards the back of the scene. As the camera angle changed, in the distance there was a shifting focal point of a moving shadow-like image in the background.

The change in angle reveals a closer image of the character, drawing my attention to her face due to the positioning of the lighting. Behind her, I notice a punching bag, indicating that we are in a boxing gym or rink. The background adds intensity to the scene. As I process the location, the camera pans from left to right, highlighting only half of the character's face. When she disappears behind the punching bag, the other character is illuminated only from the shoulder area down.

The female actor's facial expression, highlighted by the glowing light, accentuates the importance of the character. The setting enhances the intensity of the scene beyond a simple backyard backdrop. This combination implies that the female character is conveying frustration or anger while fully concentrating on her target ahead. Colors possess the ability to visually captivate us and represent different emotions.

The use of vibrant colors can evoke happiness, while a somber and monotonous setting can represent feelings of fear or loneliness. In a grayscale environment, some colors may appear distant or unclear but still have an impact on the overall ambiance. Lighting plays a vital role in establishing the atmosphere in various forms of media like films and live shows. At times, within a particular

scene, there might be an exceptionally dark color such as the hidden deep red hue of the boxing gloves in the Million Dollar Baby clip.

While it may not be visually striking for most, the perfect amount of color, along with balance, rhythm, and space, can subtly capture the viewer's attention. In this video, the absence of color evokes a strong emotion within me. Instead of being drawn to a variety of colors (since there are few), my attention is focused on the lighting, shadows, balance, and space. The monochrome nature of the clip creates a constant need for equilibrium. At the start, when the male character switches off the lights, there is a perceptible asymmetrical balance.

The camera movement in the scene establishes equilibrium and guides my attention to a new focal point - the character at the punching bag in the background. As the clip progresses, there is symmetry between close-up shots of both female and male characters. The punching bag is positioned near the center, slightly tilted. The spacing and lighting on each side, with the female on the left and male on the right, contribute to an almost flawless balance within this specific area.

While watching the silent clip, I am always scanning the screen for any details. My thoughts are racing like the gears of a time machine. I didn't realize how many minute elements are included in a brief film frame to enhance the ambiance and emotion of a scene. Even without the background posters, the clip wouldn't convey the same message.

By closely examining the small details and considering the possibility of making

slight changes to elements such as the letters on an electrical box, the illuminated exit sign, the shadows on the wall, or the lines in the railing of the rink, this particular clip can evoke different emotions. Despite the absence of dialogue in this Million Dollar Baby scene, viewers like myself can rely on perceptives, elements, and principles of visual language explained by Rory Scanlon in his Visual Language presentation. Instead of relying on verbal communication, visuals allow us to connect with and understand a piece of art or media.