https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2lTpPptOWA
April and Frank, the main characters in the film, are having an argument about their feelings for one another. In this scene the power differs until the end of the clip where Leonardo Dicaprio holds the power through his language.
When he repetitively asks her name, and she doesn't answer, this is in example of her asserting her power. By ignoring him, and laughing, she is implying that what he is asking isn't important and he seems weak because he can't hold her attention. April also uses short declarative sentences like 'But I don't. I hate you' which is blunt and doesn't need explaining. This asserts power because she is to the point and doesn't try to be subtle about her feelings.
'What the hell are you doing..?' 'Why the hell...?' and 'Why..?' are examples of Frank having influential power by on April. He has this power because he asks her rhetorical questions to threaten her face, a theory by Brown and Levinson. By being inquisitive, Frank demands answers from April to make her think about her actions and realise that she is the weaker subject.
'Listen to me' is an example of Frank using imperatives, a way to also assert his power. By giving a declarative sentence as an instruction, April is in a position where she is obliged to do as he says. Frank also says 'I've got news for you' exerting his power by seeming more educated and that April hasn't come to an obvious realisation because she is less knowledgeable and conveyed as slow and naïve.
Blimey! Brutal clip and a million miles away from 'I'm the King of the World...'
ReplyDeleteThe AO1 here is good and you're applying some of the AO2 concepts from the course (though face theory is Goffman - you want Brown and Levinson to discuss politeness with). I also think you've clocked that doing well here is about landing your ideas in the context of the interaction which is good.
Start pushing your AO3 here by considering it as represented speech - how has this shaped the language on display? It's good as well that you're looking at different areas, e.g. sentence functions, pauses - keep trying to show off a range of different frameworks in your analysis.
Keep it up!