Analysis of the following scene
- Snow White (Disney Studios,1937)
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cB7O_JIxGuY
1.Settings & Props
Scene1
Setting: The witch is making poisoned apples in an old and messy pharmacy
Props: There are old wall bricks, iron chains on the wall, crucibles, green poison water, smoke, apples, and skulls.
Scene2
Setting: Snow White temporarily stays at a dwarf’s home and makes apple pies together with her little animal friends.
Props: tables and chairs, apple pies, wooden barrels, forest environment.
2. Costume, Hair & Make Up
The witch was old, with white hair, a hooked nose and a large mole, looking extremely ugly.
Hunched over, dressed in a black robe and a hat, she looked dark and evil. The witch’s eyes are also very big. When she opens them wide, they look very scary.
The crow also has big eyes and is all black, looking like a small clone of a witch.
3.Facial Expressions & Body Language
Scene1
Before making the apple, the witch showed an expectant smile. After success, she wore a smug expression. When she laughed, she closed one eye, looking sickly.
The crow sensed the toxicity of the apple and was so scared that it covered its eyes with its wings. But it was on the same side as the witch, so it couldn’t help peeping. The witch suddenly threw the apple in front of the crow. The crow flapped its wings in terror, intensifying the danger of the poison.
The witch held the apple tightly and talked non-stop as if giving a speech. Her grand plan kept her in high spirits.
Secne2
The witch’s smile was pretentious and insincere. She shook her head and swayed to show her friendliness to Snow White and persuaded her to take the apple.
Snow White was surprised and a little scared at the witch’s arrival. She awkwardly placed her hand on her dress and avoided her eyes. But then she showed kindness and talked to the witch about pies and apples.
The little animals were so frightened that they scattered from the edge of the table and poked their heads out of the bucket to show their curiosity.
The vulture stretches its neck, staring intently at the small animal at a lower position, making eye contact to decide to catch the bird.
The little bird was frightened by the vulture’s intention. It opened its eyes wide and flapped its wings. They all looked at each other and discussed. After confirming that the apple was not safe, it hurriedly flew up to persuade him.
4.Lighting and Colour
Scene1
Lighting: A dim room, where the only source of light comes from the poison in the crucible.
Color: brownish black, bright green (later darkened to set off apple red), and bright apple red.
Scene2
Lighting: Natural light from outside the room, but the witch blocked most of it.
Color: Rich in colors, including natural green, earthy brown, Snow White’s red and blue, and Witch’s black and white. The most eye-catching color is apple red.
5.Positioning of characters/objects within the frame
Secne1
The witch is in the center of the room and the crow is in the corner.
Scene2
The witch is outside the window, Snow White is inside the room, little animals are among the grass and leaves, and vultures are on the dry and tall branches.
6.What role does the shot choice (Cinematography) play in the scene.
Scene1
The Witch and the Crow
Scene2
Witch, Snow White, (herbivorous) little animal friend, (scavenging) vulture