Summary: The Importance Of Props In Film

Props is another factor of iconography that is used and shown in these four films. Props are important in films, because it helps gets certain messages across, makes scenes more authentic, and they also have symbolism. Props used in the four films have meanings and symbolism behind them. For example, the totem in Inception symbolizes reality; whether the characters are dreaming or are in real life. Cobb's totem is a spinning top, and he uses this to test whether he is in reality or not. If it stops spinning, it means he is dreaming. In the last scene of Inception, Cobb finally returns home and spins his totem to check if he is in reality. When he sees his children, he forgets about the totem and runs in their arms. The scene doesn’t show if …show more content…
Throughout all four films, the narrative's perspective is in the main character. From the opening scene, the narrative's perspective is in the main character. In these four films, there are a lot of important characters, however, the perspective is almost always in the main character. For example, in Donnie Darko, it is always in Donnie's perspective, as it portrays his journey in the parallel universe, and how he feels, what he thinks and does, and how he is oblivious about the fact that he is in a parallel universe. In The Prestige, it is also almost always in the perspective of Angier, as he tries to figure out the secret behind Borden's famous magic trick. In summary, all four films focus on one character, and their perspective throughout the film to show their thoughts, opinions, and feelings. Cinematography is also included in style, which is important in mystery-sci-fi films. Cinematography is important, because it is what makes the genre to what it is now, by using different camera techniques and shots. Inception, The Prestige, Donnie Darko, and Cube have similar camera techniques intended by the director, so they can achieve the film into a mystery/sci-fi film, and to build different emotions within the atmosphere. For example, in Inception, After Cobb and his children run into each other's arms, the camera slowly moves towards the totem, showing that it is still spinning. The film ends on the camera gradually …show more content…
the definition of theme in films on elementsofcinema.com states: Theme gives layers of complexity to an otherwise simple story, while also unifying many script elements such as plot, characters, and dialogue. Themes are also a good use for summarizing the film in a few words, e.g. sacrifice, justice, and redemption. Several themes are shown in these four films, such as love, time, fear, illusions, and these four films all also have a confusing and twisted movie. Love and fear are both major themes portrayed in all four films. For example, in Inception, the theme of love is included, as Cobb has a very strong relationship with his wife Mal, and his two children. This film revolves around Cobb's obsession with Mal, and seeing her in her dreams. Their love is pure, and Cobb's reason for going into the dream state is to see her. He also has a strong love for his children, as he is always worried about them, and his ultimate wish throughout the film is to return home to see them. Love is also shown in Donnie Darko, as Donnie and Gretchen develop a strong, romantic relationship in the parallel universe. They develop their love so quickly and naturally, like love at first sight. The theme of love in Donnie Darko plays an important role, because in the end of the movie, Donnie decided to die from the aircraft, as he was miserable over Gretchen's death. In The Prestige, Angier and Olivia have a relationship together, and