"Cosi" (written by Louis Nowra and directed by Mark Joffe) 'is a film composed of theatre, madness, fidelity, sanity and life'. This essay will analyse tension and movement in a particular scene in this film.
The scene is set in Lucy's house and includes four characters: Lucy, Lewis, Doug, and Nick. Lewis is a uni-drop-out who, at the beginning of the film, takes a last-ditch job in a mental asylum working with inquisitive patients in dramatic arts. After being fired by the asylum management, he continues to work with the patients in secret. Lewis' cast for the Italian opera, "Cosi Fan Tutte" is composed of nymphomaniacs, pyromaniacs, and others who are suffering from compulsive obsessive disorders. Lucy, a practical and assertive solicitor, is Lewis's girlfriend. Nick is a smarmy but cowardly struggling actor/director and is Lewis's friend. He lives with Lucy and Lewis. Doug is an intimidating, loud and manipulative escaped pyromaniac from the asylum. He is eager to regain his lost role in the play and in his search of Lewis, ends up at Lewis' and Lucy's home.
The tension of the situation and characters enhanced the overall effect of the scene. A woman, home alone and naked in the bath is a sure sign of the inevitable lying ahead. When the lights go out, the viewer can only guess that Lucy's life is in danger. Lucy's tension of task is created by needing to discover who or what is in her house and why. This is also combined with tension of mystery. Lucy's life and what lies before her are beyond her control. To enhance the tension of mystery, music and sound effects were effectively utilised along with high-pitched strings with an increase in tempo.
Tension of relationship between Lewis and Lucy was portrayed in this scene and relied on conflict as communication. This was evident, as both Lewis and Lucy did not consider each other's feelings towards th
...