Run Lola Run Essay

The term ‘distinctively visual’ refers to the unique images that leave a long-lasting impression on our mind, creating meaning and expressing certain themes and issues. This is explored through the German film Run Lola Run (1998) directed by Tom Tykwer and through Frank Miller’s film noir, Sin City (2005) which provides thought provoking experiences for the audience through themes such as time, the role of women, love and violence. Each theme is symbolised through a variety of visual, aural and language techniques such as camera angles, colour symbolism, lighting, animation and diegetic and non-diegetic sounds which are carefully and uniquely injected to capture and engage the audience.
Throughout Run Lola Run, Tykwer explores the controlling nature of time which is evident through the persuasive integration of ominous symbols such as the grandfather clock in the opening scene. The clock is shown at a low angled camera shot which is deliberately used to emphasise the power and significance of the clock and puts the audience in a submissive position, witnessing the importance, power and dominance that time plays throughout the film. The scene changes to images of anonymous people who are out of focus and rushing around. The beat of the music quickens to highlight the fast paced movement that the audience will experience. “The ball is round. The game lasts 90 minutes. That’s a fact. Everything else is pure theory.” This opening quotation acts as a metaphor with the concept of fast flowing and non-stop action- that time is always in control.
Tykwer is also able to critically explore the role of women in relation to time through colour symbolism and camera techniques. As we are introduced to Lola, the camera arrives on a close up shot of the bright red telephone ringing loudly to symbolise the energy that is about to unfold. The loud ringing is a reminder of time playing a crucial role in this film as time determines what is to happen to Manni. A long shot is used...