Plays Antigone example essay topic

The film adaptation of Sophocles' Antigone portrays the text substantially well in several ways. The filmmaker's interpretation encourages the audience to be discerning as their perception of the Greek tragedy is enhanced. The play becomes profound and reverberant because of the many interesting elements of production. These include musical score, set design, and the strategic costuming - all of which advocates an improved comprehension of Antigone. The musical score proficiently provides the viewers with a sense of what is happening in the scene which could not be communicated through text.

Dramatic music is played for Creon's entrance; this immediately communicates to us that he is a man of great importance and power. When Antigone enters after being arrested, the music is dynamic and tense. This conveys the seriousness and desperate atmosphere of the scene. The score is also a representation of the varying moods of the characters.

An example of this is when Antigone is anxiously trying to appeal her sentence. The music makes the audience drawn is drawn to feel sympathy and pity her when she is preaching her views on death. For instance, a solemn melody is played when Haemon's dead corpse is brought to King Creon. Creon grieves by himself as he is overcome with devastation caused by his foolish actions; his emotions are intensified by the sorrowful and sombre background music. The music is able to complement the play, while accentuating the more significant events.

The design of the set is the most essential element of the production because it serves as the backdrop for the entire play. When the film starts, there is a wide shot of the Theban palace. There are two very large portraits of Creon hanging from the ceiling; this instantly establishes that Creon is the ruler of the state. The set depicts the castle's massive foyer which contains a large staircase. Either than that there are hardly any props; this is advantageous because the presence of props and ornate decorations would divert the audience's attention away from the dialogue and happenings of the play. Furthermore, the ambience in the palace becomes dark and bleak the moment Antigone commits suicide.

This reflects the despondent mood and foreshadows Haemon's suicide. The set of the play is successful in generating a suitable atmosphere and is reflective of the chaos that will occur. A significant aspect of the play is the acting and wardrobe, because it helps demonstrate the personalities of the characters. Antigone's first costume is a simple tiered blue dress.

It is a representation of Antigone's character which is simple on the surface, yet underneath there are many complex layers and facets. She is a strong-willed woman who refuses to be manipulated by those who attempt to prevent her from achieving her goals. Antigone has the most impressive qualities of mind, heart, and soul. Juliet Stevenson, the actress who plays Antigone vividly depicts her strong-will by remaining firm and poised in contrast to Creon's distress and quivering anger.

For her last plea, Antigone wears a plain white gown this indicates her love for Haemon, because she now has no chance of marrying him. In comparison, for the second half of the film Creon sports a black military suit. The black contrasts with the white of Antigone's dress. White often symbolizes being morally correct, while black expresses what is morally incorrect. Certainly, the apparel worn in the production is a clever indicator of the characters' temperament. The film rendition of Antigone intelligently enhances ones interpretation of the play.

This was achieved by employing the elements of music, stage design, and subtle costuming. The viewers, along with readers are able to fully understand the real meaning and appreciate Sophocles' play, Antigone.