Formal Analysis of Easy Street

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Formal Analysis of Easy Street In the film, Easy Street, Charlie Chaplin plays The Derelict. The first scene is the establishing shot. The duration of the shot is about three seconds, but it is enough time to fully understand what is happening here. It is a long shot at a high angle above the main characters head, suggesting that the character is at a low point in his life and that he is of a lower social class. In the bottom right corner, we see Chaplin curled up in the corner, alone. His body posture suggests that he is cold and homeless. He is sitting in the dirt, in front of a staircase. The grass is mostly dead and it is very gloomy outside. The staircase is being supported by a rock, which may suggest that if you follow the staircase to higher ground you will find support. There are also converging lines that seem to point in the direction of the opened door. At the top of the staircase is a sign that reads “Hope Mission”. The door is slightly opened, suggesting that anyone may enter and you will find hope inside. The next shot crosscuts to the interior of the church. This scene, along with the first scene is put together to show that there is a better life inside. The duration of this scene is also about three seconds. The angle of the camera is at an even level. It is a long shot and we see the back of the Pastor and a profile of the piano player, played by Edna Purviance. Most of our focus is on her because she is up front and we can see her face. There are a couple rows of people that are all standing up singing, except one man who appears to be drunk and homeless. This suggests that anyone is allowed to come into the Hope Mission and no one will be turned away because of social status. The feeling of the interior is very warm, friendly, and inviting. The Pastor and the piano player are on a stage, showing that they are leaders. The light is focused

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