An Analysis of the Modern “Black and White” Film
Black and white
The choice to have the movie in both color and black and white helps understand the two distinct worlds both main characters delve themselves in.
The black and white film not only shows stark contrast between darker and paler skins but also blurs the line between the ones passing as white and those who are white.
And in the same setting, characters purposely placed in dim lit areas to make their skins seem darker whenever they are in company of another from the black community. It is also noticeable that Clare is often seen standing in the bright light to show that she is passing as a white person.
Belonging
Clare, who looks to be living a good life with a seemingly loving husband, is found longing for a sense of belonging. It becomes obvious when she seeks company with Rene. It seems like one needs to be a certain way to be fully accepted into either a white or a black community. And if you are or can be both, where do you really belong?
The Dance
Both Clare and Rene wear black dresses which signify that they are black. They can’t deny what they identify with and where they feel more accepted.
However, Clare wears a white dress at the last dance, hinting that she will continue to keep up the facade of a white woman.
Walking
If you looked closely enough, the direction the characters walk in change in the pivotal moment of the movie.
When characters walk towards the right side of the frame, they are living their normal, usual life. But when they are seen walking towards the left, there is transition; after Clare, Rene and her husband were seen walking upstairs towards the left of the frame, Clare’s hidden identity is discovered by her husband, John.
Guilty
When a white man, John, obviously had every intention to shove Clare, but the incident was considered an “accident.” Even when his wife, Clare was found dead. And the officers seem to be quick to make a decision on how John is not guilty. Even in our current society, would the officers have done the same if John were a black man?
The Intro and the Outro
When the movie starts, the title text is later hidden in white, representing how the characters in the movie are blending in with other white people.
And after the fatal incident of Clare’s fall, the last scene becomes covered in snow; still representing how the surroundings are overpowered by those who are white.
