Narrative and Film Langauge in Tragicomedy Movies By Wes Anderson

Abstract

        This research aims to 1) study the narrative of tragicomedy movies by Wes Anderson and 2) examine the use of film language in tragicomedy movies by Wes Anderson. It is a qualitative study utilizing textual analysis of tragicomedy films directed by Wes Anderson between the years 1998 to 2021, focusing on seven movies. The data will be analyzed and presented through descriptive research findings. The results indicate that the narrative in tragicomedy movies by Wes Anderson reveals the following narrative techniques: 1) Plot which is organized into five stages: Exposition, Rising-action, Climax, Resolution / Falling- action, and Closure. There are two types of endings: a Happy Ending and a Realistic Ending. 2) Theme which involves around loss and letting go of the past. 3) Conflicts which can be divided into three types: interpersonal conflict, internal conflict, and conflict with external forces. 4) Characters which can be categorized into two types: Static (or Flat) Characters and Round Characters. 5) Settings which can be separated into five types: Natural Settings, Artificial Settings, Historical or Time-period Settings, Settings which reflecting the characters' way of living, and Abstract Environmental Settings. 6) Symbols which represent psychological wounds from the past, or ways of coping with incoming problems in order to move forward into the future. 7) Point of views which can be divided into four point-of-views: First-Person Narrator, Third-Person Narrator, Omniscient Point of View, and Objective Point of View.

        The result of Film language analysis in tragicomedy movies by Wes Anderson reveals that 1) In term of lights and shadows, there is a use of both natural and artificial lighting to create high-key lighting, low-key lighting, and directional lighting. 2) In term of color: there are colors that created from the scenes, colors that created from lighting arrangements, and colors that created by special visual effects. 3) In term of acting: Actors often display neutral facial expressions and have minimal body movement during conversations. 4) In term of cinema photography: the focus is on the symmetry of the images, using medium and close up shots, eye-level angles, and quick camera movements. 5) In term of sound: there is a use of dialogue, sound effects, and music. And 6) In term of editing: there are both Continuity Cutting and Compilation Cutting.