David O Russell Essay

The line between hilarity and seriousness is tested when David O Russell approaches a new film. Known for his eccentric behaviors and powerful displays of ordinary people in film, Russell develops himself as a household name in correlation to the film industry. Having been nominated for both, Academy Awards and the Golden Globes, it’s no wonder that David O. Russell is a powerhouse for entertainment. His resume is filled with films that balance comedy and drama including, Joy, The Fighter, American Hustle, and Silver Linings Playbook. David O. Russell is a creative genius who makes ordinary struggles into powerful and passionate masterpieces. Through his up close and personal camera technique, to his own familial connection to hardships, Russell …show more content…
The most effective shots for lighting are when Pat Sr., Tiffany, and Dolores, Pat’s mother, devise a plan to get Pat Jr. involved in the parlay. The lighting used on each character helps the audience visualize the group’s intent when colluding about Pat. Pat Sr.’s lighting consist of key light and a little fill light that balances so half his face has a slight shadow. This implies his intent to be deceitful towards his son, in his attempt to win the bet. Dolores is seen with just key light to imply that she intends to be completely truthful, with nothing to hide. Tiffany’s lighting is different from the rest, as her lighting comes from the top. This also implies her intention to be deceitful, however, there is another factor to it that makes her intention different from Pat Sr. In the end of the scene, a shadow is cast on Dolores indicating she is in cahoots with Pat Sr. and Tiffany. The struggle to do right by Pat, but going about it in a less than honorable way, seen through lighting helps visualize David O. Russell’s intent to showcase the internal struggles of the characters involved and exemplify Russell’s style of showcasing ordinary struggles in such a subtle, but powerful