Exceptionally Incredible

Rating: 9/10 (4 January 2018)

The piano (1993) written and directed by Jane Campion, is a drama film about Ada, a mute piano player and her daughter Flora, who are sent, along with her prized piano, to wet, marshy New Zealand. Set in the 1850's, the story circles around the musician's love for playing the piano and her struggle and determination to regain her piano after it is sold.
Bordwell and Thomson refer to cinematography as the 'manipulations of the film strip'(2013:239). Film used a range of different modes including sound and visual therefore it's effective in portraying feelings and attitudes and creating particular moods.
The type of light 'will clearly effect the saturation and value of its hues and the illusions that it gives' (Rose 2016:79). Therefore, light is a major aspect to producing a desired atmosphere of an image. The use of light filters is made great use of throughout the film, to evoke emotion and give insight into the characters feelings. The blue filter is used predominantly to project the notions of melancholy, solitude and misery, for example in the wedding photo. There is a lack of warmth and delight that usually is present in a wedding photo. The blue cold blue hues reflect the isolation and loathing she has for the situation. However, a rose filter is made use of to reflect feelings of happiness and peace, in contrast to the blue filter. The rose filter is made particular use of when Ada is playing her piano on the beach. Campion allows the audience to see and feel, through this warmer filter, that music is Ada's secret to happiness.
Sound, is also a major component within film. Reay (2004) suggests that music within a scene has a considerable effect on its interpretation and significance. Music, in particular piano, is a predominant factor within the movie. The music represents Ada's voice, emotions and attitudes; it is her internal monologue. The repetition of the same song, 'The heart asks pleasure first' through the course of the film helps to show the continuity and determination of her character. However, the song is played in a variety of ways throughout different parts of the film. The different volumes, paces and intensities produce certain atmospheres. In the finger cutting scene, the music is increased in volume and doubles in speed, which portrays to the audience that Ada is feeling threatened and frightened. Contrastingly, in the scene where Ada visits the piano on the beach, the song is played softly and gently. This highlights her inner contentment, as the piano is the only way she can express her feelings.
The use of different camera shots is also highly significant within film. Bordwell and Thomson (2013) state that a close up shot puts emphasis on a character's facial expressions, showing their emotional state. The extreme close up of Ada's eye just before she is nearly raped, shows boldness and stamina. This close up is extremely important, as because she is quiet, the viewer must be able to read her emotions from her facial expressions.
Personally, I see the film as exceptionally incredible, as it truly moves you, making you almost feel the inner turmoil and heartbreak of the characters.