Karmen Gei Senegalese Film Review

Film Analysis Worksheet Karmen Gei / Wednesday October 14, 2015

Karmen Gei

Director, Year

Joseph Gai Ramaka, 2001

Mode (for instance, adaptation)

Adopted from novel; influenced by Carmen.

Approximate time code (beg. -- end.) of selected scene

Title or brief description of sequence

Opening dance scene

Number of shots in selected sequence

What happens, at the level of plot or narration, in this sequence?

As a musical sequence, it sets the tone for the film and introduces the audience to the main character and the overarching themes including sexuality and the cultural constraints upon women of color. The dancer seduces a female prison guard into dancing, and when that happens, the entire group of women express their joy through their bodies.

What role does this sequence play within the larger action of the film (e.g. rising action, climax, turning point, exposition, character development, motifs, patterns, etc.)?

This scene is critical for character development and the exposition of themes related to female sexuality, as the sequence showcases the ways women contradict patriarchal power and social control of their bodies.

9) In a sentence, state the overall theme (implicit meaning) of the film.

Women can remain in control of their sexuality and power by subverting patriarchy.

Take notes on the following formal elements of your chosen sequence.

10) Cinematography. Note composition, lighting, camera movement, off-screen space, color, depth of field (focus/off-focus) etc.

Composition shifts from focus on the women and facial expressions, to their bodies and to overarching shots of the entire courtyard watching the dance. Wide depth of field, except during close-ups of women and body. Camera pulls out to reveal the prison.

Meanings. Note the ways in which the formal element contributes to our understanding of the theme you've identified.

The director shows the women are fully in charge of their power and sexuality by cutting between their smiling faces and the audience members, who are depersonalized. The camera pulls out to reveal the prison setting, with a deep sense of irony.

11) Mise-en-scene. Use of props, sets, costuming, lighting, etc.

Mid-range and close shots of the women, revealing their facial expressions; then the costumes worn by the Senegalese in the audience. The dancer is also barefoot in the opening scene.

Meanings.

The supremacy of Senegalese traditional culture, even in the midst of colonialism and in a post-colonial society; the power of women even in a patriarchal society. Being barefoot signals connection to grounding power and the ability to be uninhibited.

12) Editing. Pacing, rhythm, graphic matches, continuity, transitions, etc.

The editing is relatively quick, while remaining in the same courtyard. Yet at times, panning allows for lengthy dance sequence and the ultimate reveal of the prison yard.

Meanings.

The editing subtly matches the pacing of the music, and highlights the centrality of music and dance to the culture and psychology of the characters.

13) Sound. Music, effects, dialogue, intensity, motifs

Heavily percussive music plays throughout this sequence. There is no dialogue

Meanings

The upbeat percussive music is conducive to dancing and a positive emotional state. The protagonist and other main characters use music and dance to this goal, to control their emotions and reactions and gain power. A lack of dialogue is important given the meaning of music and dance in self-expression and cultural expression.

14-Costume Design / Directing / Screenplay / Marketing (Target Demographic), Release / Poster Design / Critical Reception and Awards

Reception overall was positive but with mediocre response to the film's structure. No awards were received. Target demographic is highly educated.

Meanings.

Although costume design, music, and performance were titillating, the Western response to the film was generally lackluster.

15) How does, in your opinion, this selection reflect the course theme (Identity and the Individual)? What are specific examples that you can give to support this claim?

This film encapsulates the core themes of the course. The protagonist expresses her identity through her sexuality, which she remains in full control over throughout her life. Her identity is integrated also with her roots and cultural heritage, which is set apart from colonial identities that would otherwise impose victimhood or other situations of weakness on women of color.

16a) Works cited. Think about and list some specific types of outside sources that may be helpful in your analysis (i.e., historical information, other literary texts, etc.)

Sources include references to the role of women in Senegalese society, including articles that show that Senegalese women are often asserting their identities and power: http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/08/africa/gallery/yz-yseult-the-women-warriors-of-senegal/