How do film-makers present a sense of community or national identity through sound and image?

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Beth Connolly        1940s War & Its Aftermath Essay        2005

How do film-makers present a sense of community or national identity through sound and image?

        Throughout Went the Day Well and Passport to Pimlico, both films present different communities and the ways in which they come together through crises affecting their lives.

        In WTDW, the opening sequence presents a clear sense of national identity. The tracking shot and the close-up of the sign saying “Bramley End ¼ miles” combined with the use of bird-song and patriotic marching music signifies a peaceful and tranquil area to be entering. When meeting the first character, the country farmer, we are directly addressed, giving a feeling of approachability within the community. The shot of the farmer is a mid-shot on eye-level which emphasizes the feeling of being directly spoken to and make him feel ‘less of a threat’.

The setting of the film is firstly of a country road and a quite, sleepy country village. The focus on the Christian church allows the audience to think of the community as trustworthy, religious and likeable. The area, as it is idyllic and untouched, gives a quality to it that allows the audience to think it is worth saving through the war.

        On the arrival of the soldiers in the second key sequence, the Germans are viewed in long shots, giving the feeling of distance compared to the close-up shots in which we view Peggy and Tom frequently. Some shots of the soldiers are viewed through doors or windows, giving the feeling of conspiracy and suspicion from the point of view of the villagers. The scene with the friendly, chirpy police-officer at the door is a good reference to class and social hierarchy in this film. There is a strong contrast between the rigid and demanding soldier and the chatty and cheerful officer which shows the difference between the community and these intruders.

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Despite the fact that these soldiers are strangers to the villagers, they still greet them in a friendly manner, showing the closeness of the community and their welcoming nature. One of the reasons suggested for the soldiers’ arrival is that they are there for ‘exercise’ – this clearly shows the naivety of some village members. Women are seen working, showing that every person is playing their part in society and helping others.

The music at this point has changed from the peaceful tune to a military-style sinister musical motif. Despite this, there is still birdsong heard in the background ...

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