Scene Analysis

Scene Analysis

The Scene

This scene, entitled 'Now We Are Seven' takes place a little over 1/3rd of the way through the film and is a pivotal moment for the seven, and one character in particular. The seven return to the village and then the alarm is sounded, all of the villagers come to the center of the village waiting for the seven to come help them. When it is asked "who sounded the alarm" Chico arises from the bell tower and exclaims "I did!" He then comes down from the bell tower and sarcastically thanks them and ultimately calls them "chickens." Chico accuses them of hiding from them when they are around instead of welcoming them and having conversations with them like civilized people. After he is finished with his accusations he then yells at them to go back into hiding until the seven tell them when and how to fight. Chico's actions then lead Chris to say "Now we're seven" and Chico is finally fully welcomed.

In response to Greg's scene analysis for Seven Samurai, I decided to compare it to the same scene in The Magnificent Seven (1960). In Greg's discussion he talked about the class difference was very apparent throughout the film, but very much so in this scene. I did not feel that the class difference was as apparent in this film. The leaders of the village spoke more freely with the seven and while the seven were there to protect them it never really felt like they had the impression of "we're better than you." However, in Greg's analysis he said that the Samurai were on visual higher ground and that was a representation of the class difference. In this scene the seven were scattered, some were on horseback, some were standing on solid ground. Chico goes from the top of the tower to solid ground, to standing on a what looks like an old fountain. 

Chico was the only one in this scene I felt like was showing the difference in class, and I do not believe it to shove it in their faces; but to establish his dominance, that he was one of them, and that they are to be respected.

Mise-En-Scene

Setting

The setting is in the village that "the seven" are in charge of protecting.

Lighting

It seems as if the lighting is mainly ambient or natural lighting.

Costume(s)

The seven are in their traditional cowboy clothing that they have worn throughout the film. The villagers, once appeared, are in their straw hats, white garments, and ponchos.

Acting

The main character in this scene is Chico (Horst Buchholz, Life is Beautiful) and he is using non-method acting. He is doing so by overacting to portray how ridiculous the actions of the farmers are. He is also using it for simple comedic effect between him and the other six.

Cinematography 

The Camera Lens

This scene is shot using the concept of deep focus, in that the foreground (the villagers and at some points, the seven) , middle ground (Chico) , and background (the setting and/or bell tower) all remain in focus.

Scale

A medium long shot is used in this scene, in that what is being viewed takes up the entire height of the screen. 

Editing

As I mentioned before the director, John Sturges (The Great Escape) uses a medium long shot for the majority of the scene however, close up reaction shots are thrown in to show how the other six are taking to Chico's actions.

My favorite part of the scene is right before we cut back to Chris (Yul Brynner; The Ten Commandments, Westworld) we see Chico look back over his shoulder with a "did you see that" look on his face. This look also implies that he is hoping this will finally be enough for their seal of approval. Chris then says "now we are seven" thus giving his approval.