Eisenstein is really a master at frame composition. There is no shot in this entire film that seems unintentional or wasted. Every single shot has a meaning within the sequence of the rest, as well as every shot, in its own right, is visually interesting and dynamic.
However, I think one of the most iconic shots and the one that lasted the longest in my head after watching the film was that in the beginning of the film of the sailors hanging in hammocks together in the ship. This ship is not only incredibly visually stimulating with many diagonal lines leading the eyes to different edges of the frame, but more importantly it depicts the proletariat work force as a connected web. Each hammock seems to connect to another, linking the workforce. More so, the shirtless men are depicted as vulnerable individually in this state (think of the shot of the young man’s bare back), but because of their numbers and mass in the small room seem imposing. Once the young recruit is whipped, the ripples of that impact echo throughout the whole mass of hammocks, showing how mistreat of one member effects the whole group.
This single shot cements the character group of the working force in the film. Amazingly, it groups together individuals, showing their power as a collective.
I feel like the use of hammock is interesting not only for its web like connection. For me hammocks inspire a feeling of relaxation and summer, but that is contrasted with the cold stressful situation of the film. This contrast might just be a cultural thing, but I thought it was interesting anyways. I agree completely with the echoing effects and the unity in the shot!
This is a very powerful scene because it shows the first instigation of the mutiny on the ship. As you mentioned, the feeling of unity is very apparent through the connection of the hammocks. I think this is an interesting shot to analyze because it is the first part of the film that sets the stage for the revolution.
Great analysis! I agree with your point that Eisenstein’s portrayal of the shirtless sailors depicts vulnerability while also heightening the rising tension between the captains and the crewmen. In this scene,I would also add that Eisenstein’s use of close-ups and distance shots adds to the collective unity of the sleeping men, especially when one is whipped and brought to tears. The abuse and torment of the sailors really contrasts the previous scene of gentle sleeping faces and tranquility.
All wonderful points of analysis! Brennan, great job of selecting a seemingly minor scene that is handled so brilliantly by Eisenstein and really speaks volumes! And Colby, Xander, and Shandiin, I love seeing how your added perspectives enhance the perceptive analysis that Brennan had originally written! This is a very strong and convincing discussion, and I love that it is crowd-sourced! 🙂