Film Analysis of Behind the Sun
By Davis Perkins
Pacu Receives the Book
Concrete - In this image, it is seen that Pacu is receiving a book in which he will later on learn to love. As one concrete element, there is a contrast in color between the left side of the image and the right. The circus people who gave Pacu the book are one of the only colorful aspects of the film. The majority of the rest is monochromatic. As another concrete element, the book that is given to Pacu as a piece of color, his own world that he can escape to, and dream in. The environment that surrounds him is bland, and it is the book that is his own piece of color to keep.
Abstract- The book itself represents the experience of life and freedom that Pacu desires. It is given to him by the ones who understand this feeling, and want him to understand also. It is freedom for Pacu to enter into his own world of imagination. As soon as it is given to him, Pacu is free to dream, and create his own life. Once he is given that book, he can never let go of the life he wants to experience. He realizes his destiny through it.
The Oxen Circle By Themselves
Concrete - The free sky and lofty clouds meet the desolate grounds and bland, planar landscape. The sun setting reflect another day passing, another day without life. The visual as a whole is heartfelt, and pulls from the emotional side of the viewers mind, to help understand the life of Pacu and Tonho, one without vibrancy, one that just repeats it's bland nature.
Analysis - This is a very symbolic scene, and develops a strong allusion to the lives of Tonho and Pacu. It fits the theme of the movie that idealizes the contrasts of color, and plays in part to the dead end lives that the boys are living. With just a touch of color, their lives can be changed, and can stop going round and round in a never ending cycle that leads to a bleak turnout. The oxen did not seem significant to the viewer, as they were just a part of the environment, being coerced by their master, and serving their duty to the family. But it is the environment that creates some of the strongest motifs to the plot.
The Circus of Life
Abstract - The dancing flames that border the tent illuminate the environment, and are symbolic of vibrancy, and animation. They burn life the souls of those who are free, such as the circus people themselves, warm with emotion and feelings. This circus is one of the only parts of this film that represent life with the color that it boasts.
Concrete - The figures of the viewers are silhouetted against the tent to draw focus solely on the stage itself. The flames are the only piece of this scene keeping the environment from being plunged into complete darkness. It is made to create a coziness and warmth within the viewer, as almost to act as a safe haven, as it is for Pacu and Tonho.
The Rival Family Lies
Abstract - As stated, the shirt's color is red, making it stand out in the environment, but this time not as a symbol of life, but a symbol of death, and terror. The setting sun infers the end of Tonho's time to live.
Concrete- The colors are meant to set a downward tone of end and fate approaching. They create a sense of nervousness for the viewer as to create suspense. The right side of the sky shows a possible storm on the horizon, also to create suspense. The way the shirt hangs seems to resemble in a way the crucifixion method with the arms pinned high and the body hanging limp under them.