Within this scene from No Country For Old Men, semiology plays a large role in creating a strong tension-filled atmosphere and casting it upon the viewer. This scene in particular is incredibly tense, unpredictable and unnerving, due to various different aspects of semiology, these include: Signs, Body Language, Facial Expression and Tone of Voice.
Straight away this scene is foreboding and almost hostile, due to the harsh barren desert that opens the scene. The dark dead trees in the background most likely represent death, and the vast dark shadow cast upon the distant landscape creates a sense of doom, giving this scene an eerie and bitter quality already. In the next shot we now find ourselves within a small gas-stop store with two characters. Immediately the eyes are drawn to the rope/cable hanging above the window, the most striking thing about these ropes is that they strongly resemble nooses; obviously representing death. The room is cramped and cluttered, indicating that this scene is going to be closed in and intimate. One other key symbol is the wrapper that the character places onto the worktop, this wrapper is able to tell us about the character. It's scrunched up, symbolising the character to be destructive and powerful whilst also acting as something to intimidate the old man behind the counter.
Another key aspect is the body language within this scene, and how it enhances the atmosphere. Firstly neither character make eye contact, immediately introducing a sense of hostility and tension. The two proceed to stand very still and sturdy, almost like a standoff, further enforcing hostility. Also, the old man behind the counter frequently looks the other up and down, giving us the feeling of his judgement and uncertainty, causing us as the viewer to also feel unsure of this man.
Body language then leads onto facial expression, which also plays a large part in helping the viewer to understand the temperament of the scene and the characters. Initially when the two first start talking, there is no tension, therefore the facial expressions are relatively relaxed and empty. However, as the scene progresses into a more hostile and tense situation the characters expressions change quite significantly. The old man develops a very confused and contorted expression, which reflects well on what the viewer is going through; confusion and wariness. The other man has a very different expression, he develops a frown with furrowed eyebrows, making him seem powerful and intimidating as he is in control of the situation.
Lastly there is tone of voice, which, as the others, plays a substantial role in defining the mood within the scene. Initially, both characters hold a very matter of fact, and relaxed tone of voice. However, this changes in sync with facial expression. As the scene grows tense, both tones change. The confused old man adopts a questioning and innocent tone, whereas the other mans tone becomes quite assertive and hostile. However, although he speaks with a hostile and intimidating tone, he sometimes switches to a more relaxed or even slightly cheery tone. This sort of inconsistency within his voice works very well in throwing the audience off and making himself very difficult to read, causing the viewer to feel unsure and on edge about this man. As this mysterious man leaves, he clearly leaves the old man, as well as the audience, bemused and mildly stunned.
Semiology plays a very large part in generating a thriller, as it asserts strong feelings and thoughts upon the viewer. All of these aspects combine to create an incredibly tense and almost disturbing scene, representing fear, uncertainty and intimidation; making this scene a very effective part of the film.
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