Sarah McConnell
COM 232; Visual Literacy
Paper#2 - Photo Analysis

As the Ezekiel scene is one of my favorite scenes from my movie collection, I chose this frame image from the movie Pulp Fiction. This frame is very important to the film because sets the stage for your initial characterization of Jules Winnfield played by Samuel Jackson. By threatening to shoot Brett (played by Frank Whaley) in the head, Jackson is showing his dominance and power over Whaley. Jackson’s perceived self control, as well as his lack of humanity shows in the glaring gaze of his eyes, his demeaning facial expression, threatening body language, his stiff posture and finally in his dark yet crisp clothing. His overall presence and demeanor shows him to be the self-proclaimed “bad mother fucker” in this movie. This image is extremely critical to the film because as the movie progresses, he continuously questions himself as the “bad mother fucker,” the purpose of his life here on earth, and his quest for salvation after death.

The framing of this shot is in 1:1.85 – widescreen, allowing maximum intensity to come through to the viewer. In this shot, your eye initially focuses on the gun (while some could argue that the gun is main character in this shot – I disagree) due to the lighting focus, but the lines in the background of the frame direct your eye to Jackson. The yellow and green color of the walls along with the single dried rose on the wall tends to portray a peaceful, light, and serene atmosphere within the apartment. However, Jackson’s long handlebar-like moustache with his other facial hair and his dark clothing is in direct contrast to the background, making him stand out more to the viewer. The stiff black suit, staunch white shirt and pencil-black tie, represent a darker and dangerous image which is anything but serene. His clothing and his moustache fit the stereo-type of the “bad” man, or antagonistic character in a film. Meanwhile, at the bottom of the screen, the viewer clearly sees that Whaley’s character is very clean shaven, almost too preppy, making him the victim or the weaker of the two men.

The low angle of the camera only perpetuates the image of power and dominance that Jackson has over Whaley as shown with Whaley’s hands up in surrender. The long shot of the frame also allows you to infer dominance and power, establishing who is in control of the current situation. Showing the man in the back corner with his eyes closed while he seems to be praying (mis en scene), shows that Jackson is not only in control of Whaley, but also of others in the room causing an overwhelming sense of fear and domination.

This particular frame is an amazing scene from this movie as it shows so many visual contrasts to the viewers. This scene evokes a sense of fear, domination, and perceived power that takes you through the movie.