“Edward Scissorhands” essay on the topic: Describe your first impressions of a character.
Explain how at least two verbal and/or visual features were used to create this impression.
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In the film “Edward Scissorhands”, directed by Tim Burton, the
first impression given by Edward before he was fully presented to
us was that of a scary, monstrous being. However, by the time he
comes into full view of the camera, we realise that he is in fact a
very shy character and feels lonely. These impressions are
produced by several factors such as the use of lighting, props, and
the characters’ dialogue.
The impression I first had of the character Edward was that he was
a frightening monster. Lighting was used to create this first
impression. When Edward was first introduced there was very
little lighting, he was shrouded in shadows and looked menacing.
Bent over, possibly because of the low roof, the outline of his
hands was just visible. It looked like he was going to hurt Peg, and
when he walked towards her, it seemed like a horror movie. Then
he walked into the light and his hands were clearly visible. Having
scissors for hands gave me the impression of Edward being a
monster.
This frightening impression was dramatically shattered just by
altering the use of these techniques. As the light falls directly onto
his face we can clearly see his expressions in a medium close up.
They are certainly not of a monster but of a sad and lonely person
not wanting to be left alone again. The dialogue was also used to
create a first impression of Edward. Edward’s voice was nothing
like his appearance would suggest. He sounded quiet and
frightened. He says to Peg “don’t go,” he’s pleading with her. He
sounds lonely and childlike. He is living by himself, hiding. He
has no idea of the outside world. This is later confirmed by his
reply when asked “Where is your father?” “He didn’t wake up,” he
said. This shows that not only is he living all alone in the mansion,
he is also very innocent and did not understand the concept of
death.
The director has used this contrast between our first impression of
Edward as a horrifying monster to the reality of his character as an
innocent, creative, vulnerable person to highlight the theme of
appearance versus reality. He uses techniques such as lighting,
dialogue, and camera shots to create an assumption that Edward is
a monster, then shatters these assumptions in the next scene. This
teaches us that we shouldn’t judge people on appearances, but get
to know them.
My first impressions of Edward in “Edward Scissorhands” were of
a scary monster from a horror movie. This is created by the use of
lighting, props and dialogue in the scene. However, a change in
these techniques also changed my impression moments after we
meet him. The director has effectively used film techniques to
create a lasting impression of the character, and bring attention to
the theme of appearance and reality in the film.
483 words
Introduction contains title,
director, and key words from topic.
Topic sentence links to topic.
“Describe” part of question
integrated with “explain”.
Final sentence links back to topic.
Second paragraph links back to
first point, and continues argument
in a logical order.
Reference to specific quotes and
film techniques to support answer.
Significance of quotes is fully
explained.
Third paragraph develops links to
theme and director’s intentions.
Conclusion sums up main points of
essay.