Film Analysis of Ridicule and Queen Margot
Uploaded by spootyhead on Feb 19, 2007
Film Analysis of "Ridicule" and "Queen Margot"
Through the two movies, Ridicule and Queen Margot, we get many different insights into the way life was in 16th and 18th century France. The movies showcase culture and society through the characters and events, while also going deep into what life might have been like in the time period. Both films use cases of class struggle and separation to bring to light the true human spirit of the age. Ridicule, taking place about two hundred years later than Queen Margot, shows 18th century French royalty and the lifestyle they live at Versailles; eating glorious meals and exchanging wit among each other. Queen Margot, on the other hand, is centered on the wedding of Margot, a Catholic, and a Protestant. Violence erupts in Paris in a fight for power over 16th century France. Though these movies both depict significantly different lives, relationships and time periods in history, they both portray some very similar characters, stories and inherent human qualities. Through the actions of the characters and the events that occur, both movies show very well that in these cultures, although much in life was determined by class and money, deep external forces guided by God or love or even human instinct could surpass any class barrier, or social or religious predicament. Furthermore, the movies show that be it 16th century or 18th century France, people are people outside of their culture, no matter what.
In the movie Ridicule, we are taken into the world of the French countryside in the 18th century. The story opens with shots of the swamp that the peasants work in. The movie shows broad open spaces of nature with water and workers in the foreground and trees on the horizon. The scene depicted is very rural and almost primitive. Bland colors and a hazy sky give the viewer a feeling of the tough lives these people must have lived. In the foreground the people working are muddy and wet and wearing dirty clothes. As the movie cuts to the opening scenes of the royalty, there is an immediate shift to these bright, vibrant settings of Versailles. Some of the camera shots include sights of the magnificent fountains and gardens. Along with the vivid colors of clothing and surroundings, a very different lifestyle is portrayed. People are garnished extravagantly with dress and make-up. An example of the different lifestyle is shown...