Cabaret: Cinematographic Analysis, Research Paper Example

The camera’s lenses are considered as the most reflective and dependable tools in developing a relative message for movies produced to entertain the public. The proper utilization of camera effects specifically provide a much definable value for each film thus convening a more specific message that the viewers are expected to appreciate better. Bob Fosse’s handling of the film ‘Cabaret’ (1972) presents a distinctive artistic form of utilizing camera as a medium for sending out deeper meaning than what the scenes in a movie suggest.

Relatively, the film imposes to create a distinct presentation of what Nazi living was all about and how it affected the German society during the years of being oppressed by the said political party. It could be observed that somehow, the term ‘cabaret’ directly refers to happy occasions, happy experiences and matters that specifically define the capacity of humans to ‘enjoy’ and be satisfied by what they do, what they watch and what they experience in life. However, in the film developed by Fosse, the term ‘cabaret’ was considered to present a meaning that specifically provides a distinct indication on how ‘happiness’ in Germany gradually changed at the onset of the introduction of the political reign of the Nazi political party. More than just to entertain the people, Fosse’s purpose in developing the film and presenting it to the public is to remind them of what Germany was, what it used to stand for and what it was expected to be by generations from ancient years. Relatively, in the hope of creating such a deep indication of meaning for the movie and its value in representing the basics of the German history, Fosse was very careful in making sure that every angle in the movie counts in sending out such meaning.

Given that the theatre productions came before the creation of the movie, Fosse had a chance to see through several performances of the story onstage. During the said instances, it could be understood how it was evidently effective for Fosse to learn through the treatment that the theatre directors apply in giving life to the gist of the story and the moments that makes its message more compelling in form. For Fosse, he realized that the theatrical presentations, except for the musical sections, were quite weak and flat. He realizes that the story in itself could be given more justice if film effects are applied in the process.

Choreography, this is one element that makes the movie rather different from all other films presented during the said era. It compels a distinct proposition on how the musical in itself is organized and the different sections of the story plotted to create a more distinct indication of a message that was intended to go out to the public. To bring in a more literal development of the movie’s story depending on the lines written by Isherwood on I am a Camera, it became necessary to utilize the camera to create effects that present the situation in different angles while creating new perceptions on the part of the viewers.

One specific theme that is carried on throughout the film is the coming forth of the political power held strongly by the Nazis. Fosse tried to create a connection between choreography and camera angle presentations to make sure that such theme is echoed strongly in the movie without directly imposing that it is a story that is plotted to expose the Nazi rule and how it is affecting the society, the people’s individual lifestyle, and the overall perception of the people towards politics, authority and social obedience. One of the scenes that could be noted to show such an indicative presentation of editing through directive guidelines from the director himself is that of the rhythmic and choreographed musical performance of the song Tomorrow Belongs to Me. In the said scene, a young man in uniform stands up at a rural beer garden. He was dressed in a Young Hitler Uniform which symbolizes what party his is engaged with in relation to the identity he takes into account as a German. He is however shown as an innocent young man who seems to be just everybody else, trying to have fun and engage on matters that make Germany, the way that it is. During this presentation, it could be noticed how the tempo and the rhythm of his song changes as it progresses. Such change specifically indicates a change of situation in the country; with young men becoming more adept in using guns and other forms of ammunitions to stand by the principles of the Nazi rule, the song of the young man echoes as the sound of the young soldiers whom Hitler’s troupes have recruited and trained accordingly. Blinded by the idea that they are saving the right cause, these young ones do not feel remorse at all even at the face of being directed to kill their fellowmen for the sake of pursuing their political constituents in the society.

Take note though that during this presentation, Fosse tried to create a deeper meaning to what the young man represents. Hence to be able to send out such message, Fosse tried to send out a much appealing message through having Germans from all ages sing along with the young man as he performs his piece. Relatively, it represents how the entire human population in Germany hopes to gain control of their situations in the future; to be able to stand on their own feet and not be oppressed by a seemingly directive form of governance and undergo instances of killing which specifically characterized the Nazi rule.

During the said presentation, Fosse was successfully able to use camera-angle-plays where he was able to take the different features of the young man. Extremely close-up shots characterized this particular scenario on the film. What makes it strongly appealing is that of its capacity to show the inner emotions and the real being of the one in the stage, singing the song of the ‘German’ population. One particular angle of the camera represented the young man’s facial expression as he sings. It could be noted how fulfilled he seemed to be in his Nazi Uniform; thus imposing the idea that he is indeed convinced that what he is doing is basically for the best development of his people. Another angle shot on this scenario features the young man to be looking ahead; as if noting that his role as a Nazi soldier shall play a great impact on the better lives that his fellowmen would have. Being young and all, the young man was presented to have optimistic visions about the Nazi rule. He seems to have been convinced that everything the government imposes to be done is necessary for the creation of a perfect society.

The contrast of these shots on the young man reflects a distinct indication on how different the situation was in the eyes of the German people. The Germans, shown to have been singing with the young man at the end of the song had all their mixed facial distinctions; as if showing that they are all having different visions about the Nazi governance. People who were notably knowledgeable of what was happening knew that the Nazi regime would bring in scorns of dreadful events to the community and the people living in it. Their facial expressions were captured in the camera to represent a sense of doubt; a matter that was very rampant among human individuals living in Germany at the time. The young children on the other hand were presented to be as innocent as they are. Perhaps not knowing what was happening, they too had a pessimistic vision of the future of their nation.

Camera angles were specifically used by Fosse not only to show the facial expressions of the people he was including in the shots; he basically used it to create an appeal, a presentation on how the emotions and the convictions of the people of Germany affected the way they understood their role and their capacity to change what was happening in their communities and even among their families. The uprising of the Nazi regime was then shown in this film to have different impacts on different groups of individuals in the nation. Relatively, through the camera lenses of Fosse, he was able to show how such differences should be brought together, be considered accordingly and be used against the distinct ‘praise’ that some members of the community have already given the Nazi officials. Through such approach, the film editing approach of Fosse was effective enough to affect the minds and the perception of those who are supposed to give attention to the matter during the time.

Work Cited

Rodda, A. (2001). Cabaret: Utilizing the Film Medium to Create a Unique Adaptation. Film Quarterly. http://www.questia.com/library/journal/1P3-1308882111/cabaret-utilizing-the-film-medium-to-create-a-unique. (Retrieved on December 14, 2013).