I chose to
analyze the ending scene of "Slumdog Millionaire". The final scene, and the whole
film uses different techniques to get an emotional effect on the audience. The
choices in camera angles created powerful feelings to the scenes.
We see
Jamal wandering a train station alone. The shots are created via a
character’s point of view. In the distance, Latika is there searching for
him. Jamal sees her and starts running towards her. At the moment he
saw her, the moment is followed by the song “Dreams on Fire”, which adds a
touching tone to the scene. At the same time camera starts changing screen
direction. We see the low angle close up shot of Jamel’s face when he notices
her, then a shot of Jamel looking at Latika from her perspective. Meanwhile,
camera focuses on Latika’s face, who’s searching for Jamel, from low angle close
up shot and from Jamel’s perspective. As he runs, you see flashbacks of scenes
from the movie of his childhood. Jamel’s run towards Latika was shot with
meeting sequence, and maintained a consistent and oppositional screen
direction, which meant that they are finally going to meet. Their eyelines
matched, and the rule of 20mm/ 30 degree rule was also being used. They embrace
at the center platform of the station. They share a cinematic kiss,
followed by flashbacks of him missing and losing Latika at the train station
couple of times before, but now they finally are reunited and can be together. The
plot reaching point hits an audience with element of happiness.
