Practise Question 'Princesas'

5. How far does the impact of the films you have studied for this topic depend on distinctive uses of film techniques?

Throughout the film 'Princesas', produced in 2005, we're shown the harsh reality of the culture in Spain of the people within/below the poverty line, as women resort to selling their bodies for money through prostitution. It is apparent that some of the footage taken of the night life on the street in Madrid is actual footage of the women doing what they call 'business'. The opening scene introduces the city of Madrid and the life within as the handheld camera, of the scenic environment within the city, out the car window. The fast side tracking, long-shots of the slums and the condensed, dirty buildings highlight it's real life elements and conveys the poverty setting the scene of the characters. Then the camera shows us a mid shot of Caye highlighting that she is looking out the window at the city in which she lives. The sequence then cuts to a shot from inside a hospital looking out at the Caye as she walks through the entrance doors. This has been done to signify that there is always something in the middle of the camera and Caye, indicating a separation from Caye and the audience viewing insinuating she is very different to us and lives a very different lifestyle. As we realise Caye is entering a hospital, due to the diegetic sound of announcements for the patients and doctors, this would give us the impression she is visiting a family member or friend due to the high level of drugs and violence from society. From this moment, our impressions of Caye being a typical female, inferior, and polite, change due to her assertiveness with the group of lads. She instantly takes control of the situation and tells them what is going to happen and what definitely isn't going to happen without a price. This reinforces her dominance over the lads as she instantly puts them in their place, further highlighting her confidence which conveys she has done this before. This is shot as a mid-shot, naturally framed by the door frame, this puts all focus on Caye as we also find out her occupation as a prostitute. Moreover, the mise-en-scene of the hospital room is very enclosed as the group of lads fill the room making it more compact along with the drown curtains, blocking out the sun and the freedom outside. This all suggests the that Caye is trapped, specifically in her deprived, working class and the society in which she lives in.