The Color Purple Figurative Language Essay

This sequence takes place just after Amélie returns the box of toys she found to their owner. Inspired by the effect this small act of kindness has, she is overcome by an “urge to help mankind”. Amélie has always had an interest in the small quirks that make life unique, so in this sequence, her act of kindness is to share them. This sequence shares the excitement and joy Amélie finds in seemingly minute details, not only with the blind man she walks with, but with the viewer, through the use of movement and framing, as well as composition. The sequence begins with movement that has been slightly slowed down, creating suspense. The viewer is gradually led to the old man’s face as he turns his head one way, then the next, as cars pass. Then the focus switches to …show more content…
We see her make the decision, and as she steps forward the pacing begins to speed up, leading into the excitement. When she grabs his arm, she brings him into her world. As they walk, the pace begins to accelerate. The shots alternate between their faces and the objects Amélie is pointing out. Each time she mentions something, it is shown in a close up shot, drawing attention to it. Meanwhile, the background is a blur, demonstrating the dizzying effect of this sudden immersion in the world Amélie has dragged the man into. As the sequence progresses, the objects and the character’s faces are shown closer and closer up, and the duration of the shots gets shorter and shorter, adding to the sense of escalation and excitement. The close-up shots also allow us to see the man’s expression shift from bewilderment to one of wonder. When they pass the market and enter the metro stair area, the tension is