Strawberry & Chocolate Essay Example
Strawberry & Chocolate Essay Example

Strawberry & Chocolate Essay Example

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  • Pages: 3 (779 words)
  • Published: May 11, 2017
  • Type: Analysis
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The film Fresa y Chocolate was created by a collaboration between writer Senal Paz, who wrote the short story it is based on, and directors Tomas Gutierrez Alea and Juan Carlos Tabio. The movie portrays Cuban college students as they struggle with their sexual desires and identities. Despite being produced in 1995, the setting of the film takes place in 1979 and serves as a representation of Cuban culture during that era.

The film Fresa y Chocolate takes its title from the opening credits scene that depicts two young men in an ice cream parlour. While one, David, sits outside to enjoy his ice cream and the sunny weather, the other, Diego, approaches and asks for permission to sit with him. The limited dialogue exchanged between the two protagonists is not of great significance; rather, it is their hidden agendas wi

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th one another that are important. David presumes that Diego is a homosexual because he has ordered strawberry ice cream rather than vanilla which was also available. This reveals David's presumptuous nature and bigotry, as evidenced by his snide and cautious expression as he watches Diego eat his ice cream. In contrast, Diego embodies a carefree enjoyment of life.

Two significant moments in the movie are the opening credits and a scene involving David and his fiance. The opening credits establish the character's structure, while analyzing these scenes along with the character's growth throughout the film can help one understand their journey. In the scene, David and his fiance are in bed together when he suddenly stands up and declares that he will not touch her again until their wedding night at a grand hotel.

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David's reluctance to engage in sexual activity with his fiance is causing speculation about his psychological state. His firm refusal and strong reaction suggest he may have issues with sex with women. As the story progresses, Diego's love for David adds to the confusion, flattery, and irritation that originated from David's initial aversion to sex.

The film's character David is captivating because of his simultaneous fear and attraction to what he fears, which is apparent from the opening scene at the ice cream shop. Though he tries to avoid Diego, a lack of available seats forces him to sit with him. This fear affects David's actions throughout the movie and is highlighted by a montage of daily routines before any events change them. Additionally, sex becomes another source of anxiety for David, though it remains unclear if this pertains to sex in general or specifically with women. Ultimately, the ice cream parlour scene establishes the dynamic between David and Diego.

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Gulliver's travels

The film director uses background noise to depict emotional moments between characters. Instead of relying on music to amplify the sentiment between the two 'friends', he deliberately chose sounds such as passing cars and chirping birds to emphasize their emotions' authenticity. Additionally noteworthy is a scene where Diego shares his conversation with David about Nancy while paired with a beginning sex scene and strawberry ice cream scene from the movie.

Diego refers to Nancy as a small bird and suggests she could be easily injured by anyone. In response, David assures Diego that she is safe with him. This

exchange reveals Diego's own vulnerability, as he focuses on emphasizing Nancy's fragility.

During a tense moment, Diego tests David's allegiances, and David mentions that Nancy is with him. Diego feels his heart sink and become a little broken. However, David breaks the tension by telling Diego to experience how delicious a woman could be, and they both laugh. The film's main technique is the splicing or editing of scenes.

Through their journey, the audience can travel with the characters. When Diego and David mention Nancy being a sparrow, the film shows them at the same ice cream parlour where the movie started. This indicates that the characters have completed a full circle, although as different individuals. David has shown more tolerance and Diego has bestowed upon him the ability to appreciate diversity.

The film employs light and darkness to communicate the psychological condition of its characters. During a scene, David exchanges his ice cream for strawberry with Diego who is initially depicted in obscurity, leaving their underlying motivations and allegiances uncertain. Nevertheless, as the movie progresses, Diego's portrayal becomes more positive. This application of visual motifs contributes to cultivating suspense and evolving character arcs throughout the film.

By employing these devices, the director and lighting director create a specific mood for the characters while also conveying different levels of despair or hope to the audience throughout various scenes.

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