The Royal Tenenbaums

In film making, composition is an important part of how the film is made. With composition, if we pause a movie, it can look like a photograph. Although composition is used to create a picture perfect scene, it is also used to convey ideas. In the Royal Tenenbaums, directed by Wes Anderson, composition is a key element. In the scene where Royal Tenenbaum is laying in bed, with his family surrounding him, composition is used to fit everyone in the frame, as well as appeal to the viewer’s emotion.

The characters in this sequenced are framed in a tight setting, although the shot has depth. All of the characters are squeezed in to one little place, and it almost looks uncomfortable. What I find interesting about the composition of this scene is that although they are cramped into this little room, there is still room to display the trophies. Instead of making this a pure family scene, the composition makes sure that the material things can be displayed. Because we see these trophies, and these paintings, we know that it is Richie’s room (if you missed Richie saying that in the scene before). Nothing can be simple in this household. Also, there is no dead space in this shot, which symbolizes the family living under one roof again; no one is alone. 

Composition says a lot about the characters in the movie. Characters who are closer to the camera, have a more prominent role in the film, while characters who are less important are positioned farther in the back. The doctor and Royal are front, meaning that they are the two most important people in the film, and they have power. Obviously if the film is about Royal wanting to reconnect with his family, right? We can see that Richie, Uzi, and Ari are behind the two main characters. Clearly, we know that Richie is the favorite child of Royal. He was the only one who went to see grandma, and Royal is in his room. While he doesn’t have a good relationship with his grandsons, they are important because he will try to continue to build a relationship with them throughout the movie. Pagoda, Chas, Henry, Etheline, and Margot are all in the back, symbolizing that they are characters of minor importance, especially Margot. 

The composition of this scene moves the narrative forward because everyone now sees what Royal is going through. With this, the character will have to make up his or her mind when it comes to letting Royal make amends with them. This shot reminds me of “The Last Supper” by Leonardo DaVinci. While this painting would be considered a loose shot, with some dead space, the concept of being gathered around the leader is there. The people are listening to what Jesus has to say, and are paying attention to what He is doing. The Tenenbaums are listening to what the doctor is saying and doing. 

While we may not think composition in films can appeal to emotions, we can see that is has a significant impact on how we watch movie, especially for someone taking this class. Now when I watch movies, I will be looking for composition and what it means.