PRITHVI K RAJ

Cinema is often thought of as a passive medium stories unfold before our eyes, and we simply absorb them. But certain films challenge this notion, forcing viewers to question reality, participate in unraveling the narrative, and make their own judgments Akira Kurosawa’s "Rashomon" (1950) and Rahul Sadasivan’s "Bramayugam" (2024) are two films that actively engage the audience by distorting perception, manipulating truth, and leaving interpretation open-ended. While one is a psychological drama and the other a supernatural horror, both demand that viewers take an active role in making sense of their stories  Kurosawa’s Rashomon revolutionized storytelling with its use of multiple conflicting perspectives. The film presents a crime a samurai’s death and the possible assault of his wife through the eyes of four different characters, each telling a contradictory version of events The audience is placed in a unique position rather than being passive spectators, they beco...

 "The Substance" (2024), directed by Coralie Fargeat, employs a range of storytelling techniques to deliver its narrative, effectively blending body horror with social commentary Fusion and Satire It combines the elements of psychological thriller, body horror, and social satire to craft a film that defies simple categorization. This fusion allows the narrative to delve into complex themes such as society's obsession with youth and beauty, particularly concerning women Visual Symbolism and Cinematography The film utilizes rich visual symbolism to invite viewers into a world where the boundaries between self and other, reality and illusion, become increasingly fluid. The striking cinematography, with its intense focus on color and unique angles, enhances the storytelling by reflecting the protagonist's psychological state and the grotesque transformations she undergoes Characterization and Performance The dual performances by Demi Moore (Elisabeth Sparkle) and Margaret...

"All Is Lost" (2013) and "The Guilty" (2018) : Two Unique Ways of Storytelling Movies often use visuals and sounds together to tell stories, but All Is Lost (2013) and The Guilty (2018) take very different approaches. One relies mainly on visuals with almost no dialogue, while the other uses only dialogue and sound. Despite these differences, both films explore the theme of isolation in their own unique ways. All Is Lost : A Story Through Visuals Directed by J.C. Chandor, All Is Lost is about a man’s survival in the middle of the ocean. Robert Redford plays the lead role, and there are almost no spoken words in the film. The story is told through his actions, facial expressions, and the challenges he faces. The film focuses on showing instead of telling. The sounds of the ocean, storms, and the creaking of the boat create a powerful atmosphere. Without dialogue, the audience connects deeply with the character’s struggle, imagining what he feels and thinks. The Guilt...