character analysis

Georgie Robbins

ShellieShellie is the ‘damsel in distress’ within the extract of Sin City. This character is presented as confident, feisty and independent. The mise en scene relating to costume, hair and makeup for this character screams out provocative. The subject appears to be wearing underwear with an oversized men’s shirt which

is extremely revealing. Her hair and makeup look worn but still elegant, suggesting of the characters sex appeal and seductive mannerisms. Following on from the seduction point, Shellie carries out her movements, dialogue and

actions very flirtatiously which uncovers her strong, womanly persona. Despite this characters confident ways, we see a childish, vulnerable side to Shellie as she becomes reliant on Dwight to fix the situation that they’re in.

High angles are used on Shellie as she is attacked by Jackie-Boy to reveal the susceptible nature of the character and to prove how her emotions have drastically changed from being fearless to being scared and weak. Her

position in the camera and her body language of kneeling down also add to the vulnerability which completely contrast to long shots earlier on showing

confident body language with the subject’s hands on her hips.

DwightDwight is the main protagonist in this film; we can see that this subject

possesses certain traits which give off a vibe of relaxation, confidence and braveness. From the start of the scene, the mise en scene of this character

clearly suggests his high status as his costume appears expensive and upper class; the makeup and hair is very natural to match the theme of normal

people in abnormal situations. The facial expressions of this character are, also, completely natural which is strange as he is in a very dangerous

situation. These calm and composed expressions show the audience that this character is not at all fazed by the action taking place and clarifies that he is experienced in this sort of business. The dark colours and shadows used on this character create mystery and the limited amount of speech showcases

the professionalism of the subject. Dwight is not afraid of Jackie-Boy like Shellie is and the fight scene that occurs does not affect Dwight in the

slightest; he continues to maintain a collected facial expression and attitude throughout. A lot of close ups are used on this particular character in order to reveal his calm persona; long shots are utilised to show his sharp actions and to display his more mature way of handling situations which contrasts with

Jackie-Boy’s shouting method.

Jackie-BoyJackie-Boy is the antagonist of the film and from the beginning of the scene we

can interpret his unstable, villainous ways. Jackie-boy emerges in a dark lighting which shows us that he is deceitful and unsafe. The mise en scene of his

costume is similar to Dwight’s, which suggests importance, however, his hair is long and draped over his face whereas Dwight’s is clean cut. This suggests his

insecure and irrational state along with his uncaring attitude and drunken situation. Jackie-boy’s body language is slow moving and careless; he possesses

a prop of a cigarette revealing to the audience that he is dangerous and also does not take into account his health or anyone else's. The character’s husky voice suggests of his bad physical state and further clarifies of his threatening

traits. The fact that Jackie-boy believes that hitting Shellie is acceptable implies that he is aggressive and is the reason why Shellie moved on and is still

apprehensive around him; it shows his strong and powerful side. On the other hand, we are given a glimpse of weakness from this character as Dwight attacks

him; high angles are used on the subject as, just like Shellie, he kneels on the floor after being assaulted by another character (Dwight). The fact that his

actions backfire and that he ends up in the same position as Shellie reveals the feeble or vulnerable side of Jackie-boy and adds more expanse to the character.