HW 1a - Existing film still analysis (DYM)

SHREK 2

NARRATIVE:

• The characters have alarmed and angry facial expressions, contrasting with the formal and polite setting they are in, which shows that there is conflict between the characters, creating an intense and awkward narrative in the scene.
• The fact that a donkey and a king and queen (Harold and Lillian, wearing royal robes and a crown) are having a formal dinner in a castle together, makes us believe that there is an unusual fantasy narrative that has had to build up to this moment. The tense character interactions may also rely on the audience's knowledge of the previous film, as this film is the sequel, so it can build the character tension even more.
• The distance between the audience (in place of the main character Shrek) and King Harold further extends the conflict and distance between the characters, also the fact that Shrek and Harold are on either end of the table at the head, extends the distance and gives the narrative a rival male approach.
• The setting is portrayed with a warm colour palette, making the home seem welcoming and comforting. This contrasts with the facial expressions of King Harold hosting the dinner, scowling, unwelcoming, and angry. The comforting setting also contrasts with Donkey and Lillian's facial expressions, which are not angry, but more awkward and surprised, possibly at the behavior of Harold, Lillian's husband, and Shrek, Donkey's best friend and Lillian's son-in-law.
• This scene demonstrates the fish-out-of-water narrative plot, and shows how Shrek is out of place in the scene and setting, and viewed differently to the other characters.

GENRE:

• The audience's expectation of the comedy genre is gratified with the ironic juxtaposition of a donkey, connotative of dirt and lower-class,  in a polite and formal setting, washing his hands with a king.
• The fantasy part of the genre is fulfilled by the anthropomorphic donkey, the fairy-tale-style king and queen, and the stereotypical fantasy castle setting. This also juxtaposes with the serious and almost concerned facial expressions of the characters, further extending the comedy in the scene.

AUDIENCE:

• The 3 characters seen on screen are facing towards the camera, which puts the audience in the point of view of the main character Shrek. This makes the scene immersive and allows the audience to feel a part of the film and the narrative, making the film more exciting and engaging.
• The comedy aspects of this scene (see genre) fulfill the audience's expectations of the genre, and allow the audience to be more easily immersed in the film. 
• The audience can relate to the setting and scene, as it mimics common fairytales that people grow up with, making the film more familiar and engaging.