Sandlot Boys Circular Structure

This frame shows the boys standing in a circle looking down at the ball that Benny just hit the exterior wrapping off of. Giannetti states that, “circular compositions suggest security and enclosure” (72). The Sandlot boys are a very close knit friend group, which is symbolically shown through the skeletal structure of the frame. This circular structure exudes a sense of enclosure because the boys have a hard time welcoming new people into their crew, which is exactly what the viewers saw in the beginning with Smalls. Not only does the circle communicate enclosure, but also a strong sense of comradery among the boys as a team. The Longest Yard shows a different element of composition and design; it shows the concept of dominant contrast. …show more content…
Spatial relationships are also effective in providing insight to people’s social and psychological relationships to others. Spatial relationships are a key indicator for relationships in this scene where Benny is telling the guys that Smalls is joining their team because they need a ninth player. Benny is standing up for Smalls while the other players are attempting to make a case against letting him on the team.
The dominant character and leader of the Sandlot boys, Benny, is given the most space to occupy in this frame. Then there is Smalls in the background because he is still perceived as an outsider to the group, so it makes sense as to why he is standing so far away from everyone else. Benny being placed in the foreground and Smalls in the background gives this frame a sense of depth; allowing you to gage how removed from the conversation Smalls actually is. Benny is also shot in a quarter turn position showing a high degree of intimacy with less emotional involvement. The camera is still close enough to his face to see that he is conflicted between sticking up for Smalls and trying to please his