The Importance of Being Earnest 1952 Film Imagery

The Importance of Being Earnest 1952 Film Imagery

Into the Film

The opening of the film is of a man and woman coming to the theatre, and as the curtain rises Asquith transitions into the film. He uses this imagery as he is adapting Oscar Wilde's play into a film, and makes it clear to the audience what he is doing.

Gwendolen and Cecily

Asquith stages Gwendolen and Cecily right next to one another in the frame. They are fighting with each other, but neither strikes a real external blow. The imagery is very British as the culture is very tight and they don't lash out easily, instead they use their whit to strike their opponent. This makes the scene comedic.

Mother

We see that mother is on the way to see Gwendolen at Jack's home. She is riding on a train with some time to go. The imagery creates the expectation for her to be there and thus a suspense for what will happen when she arrives.

Opposite Sexes

Jack and Alge stand side by side as Gwendolen and Cecily stand side by side across from them. The men are attempting to make their way into the good graces of the women they desire to marry. They do so for the first time being on the same side, and in the same way the women are on the same side as one another. The two pairs who were fighting against each other now work together to make these relationships work and they do.

Update this section!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this section.

Update this section

After you claim a section you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.