Scene Analysis in Brazil (1985)

Analysis of De Niro scene from 0:10 to 3:40

'Brazil' (1985) is a British science fiction comedy, which was directed by Terry Gilliam (known for writing the Monty Python:Life of Brian and other Python films). It was distributed by 20th Century Fox in Europe and generated $30,099 on its opening weekend. The film intentionally cast Robert De Niro due to financial relationsips with America and to raise global awareness.

The film revolves around the protagonist, Sam Lowry (Jonathan Pryce), an ordinary man, who is trying to find a woman who appears in his dreams , while working in a boring day job and living in a small apartment. Brazil is set in a 'dystopian' world, where there is an over-reliance on poorly maintained machines. In some way, this film was reflective of the British Government, as Gilliam intentionally tries to show how the government is trying to be controlling, like enforcing cuts in the public sector,however not successfully.

In this scene, the camera zooms out to a medium shot of the protagonist, Sam, who is stereotyped as being quite lazy, untidy and stupid. He is dressed in pyjamas and has a tired expression, which denotes he is laid back lifestyle.

As he bangs his head on the inside of the fridge, the diegitic sound of the telephone rings. This type of shot enables the audience to identify with the protagonist, as they , like Sam are unaware of who is calling and are left in suspense. The use of low key lighting and filler light from the fridge connotes isolation and fear, as Sam awakens to answer the phone but fondles around with machines, which denotes that he is a man who is unfamiliar with the latest technology, which older audiences can identify with.

Brazil's concept of over reliance of machines seemingly responds to how British society was getting familiarised with new technology such as mobile phones and computers. In many ways, the audience identify and have negotiated readings with Sam, throughout the film; as he, like the audience is getting used to the wave of new technology around him.

As Sam answers the phone, the parallel sound of a mysterious man grows louder. Unaware that Tuttle is behind him, Sam blindly reacts to his voice with ease and confidence. With the phone disconnected, the camera tilts up convey the figure a man dressed in a black balaclava, black waistcoat and army attire. Reacting to the man's call to put his hands up, the camera focuses on the two characters in a medium shot. Slowly, the camera tracks around Sam, so that the audience can identify with the man.

The camera's panning and focus on the man in a medium shot, seemingly quells Sam's fears, as he checks the wall mysteriously. The comical aspect is when the man looks at the wall then quickly at Sam, in a puzzled expression, as if to say ' Are you serious?' As the man puts his 'gun' in its holster, he removes his balaclava in a long shot and identifies himself to Sam and the audience as 'Harry Tuttle'.

Being a heating engineer, Tuttle looks around the room for an object in a frantic way. In a surprised fashion, Sam responds in a dumbfounded way, 'Tuttle?' and like the audience, Sam is unaware of who this stranger is. In some way, much of the humour is generated from inquisition and doubt, as Sam naturally asks, where the stranger is from , 'Are you from Central Services?" and gets a rather unexpected and sarcastic response, from Tuttle.

As Tuttle removes the device connected to the wall, a wall tile becomes unattached and scares Sam. Tuttle's carefree expression, surprises Sam who is told by Tuttle that he is working illegally, as central services are busy. Tuttle's sense of humour is expressed, as he does not want to work for central services due to the paperwork.

The use of the close up shot of Tuttle from the inside of the wall enables the audience to identify with him, as his glasses and expressions are comical. Also, the belching paralell sound of the pipes and machine generate humour, as the chaos in Sam's room coupled with his unawareness add to the comical effect. Whats more, physical humour is conveyed, as Tuttle's attempts to pluck out a component is funny, as the non deigtic sound of a pop is heard. This in turn, results in Sam becoming suspicious of Tuttle.