Connection Between Beginning And End In 'Mean Creek'

Describe how the beginning and end are connected.

In the film ‘Mean Creek’ directed by Jason Aaron Estes many important features are included that link the beginning of the film to the end. These features include lighting and props. The viewer sees this through two important scenes in the film where the characters are in Sam and Rocky’s bedroom before George’s death and after the death.

The lighting in ‘Mean Creek’ changes dramatically from the beginning of the film to the end. At the beginning of the film the lighting is constantly bright, this conveying that all characters are in a happy environment. When four of the main characters Rocky, Marty, Clyde and Sam are planing the boat trip the lighting is bright and emphasises the excitement. The bright lighting also depicts their youth and livelihood. This lighting technique is linked to the ending scenes; the lighting in the ending scenes is used to create the opposite affect of what it did in the first scenes. After George’s death the lighting changes dramatically, the viewer sees a drastic switch from bright lighting to dim lighting. This change depicts the change in the storyline and the characters mood. On of the last scenes in ‘Mean Creek’ mirrors the scene when hey are planning the boat trip, the characters are in the same setting however they are now facing grief, guilt and their youthfulness is gone, replaced with a problem most teenagers will never have to face.

 

Props are used in ‘Mean Creek’ to emphasise the way in which the characters change from the start of the movie to the end. Through the use of props Jason Aaron Estes highlights the characters youth and how they are carefree, the viewer sees this when Rocky, Marty, Clyde and Sam are planing the boat trip. While Rocky is on the phone to George he is constantly playing with his hat and basketball while Sam is playing with drumsticks, this shows their energy and happy-go-lucky attitude to life. After George’s death the viewer sees all characters once again in Sam and Rocky’s room, in this scene the characters are without props. Without props there is a clear change in attitude from each character. The lack in movement sets a sombre mood and how the characters have lost all playfulness.

 

Through the use of camera angles and transition of camera Jason Aaron Estes links the beginning of the film to the end. At the beginning of the film the characters are portrayed as being happy and youthful. When the characters are planning the boat trip a hand-held camera follows the characters, these unsteady movements symbolise their youth and energy. The viewer can understand the characters emotions more easily through this technique and become more sensitive to a change in emotion. After George’s death, when the characters are in Sam and Rocky’s room there are only two different angles of camera. This transition emphasises the loss of fun and the harsh consequences they now have to deal with.

Through the important techniques of lighting props and camera Jason Aaron Estes links the beginning scene to an ending scene successfully.