Iron Man - Redemption.
One of the most prominent themes throughout the movie is that of redemption. After idly coasting by in a most buffoonish manner for years, Tony Stark finally has his eyes opened to the world. He discovers that arrant disregard for responsibility has caused many thousands of people to be injured or killed. He finds that sinister men are now using the weapons he made, to hurt the innocent. Now Tony must make up for his mistakes, and attempt to redeem what’s left of his soul. This scene actively portrays the theme of redemption. In the background we hear the news report showing us what Tony’s past has resulted in, and we see Tony himself reacting to this. He is beyond enraged, hurt, and ashamed. He is beyond caring about himself, all that matters is those innocent people. Tony sacrifices himself, and everything he has to do the right thing.
This scene brilliantly incorporates the theme of the movie as a whole, and does so in many ways. Most prominent is the use of the lines within the frame. We see the lines are mostly linear, representing the very clear-cut responsibilities that Tony must accept. There is no curving around the subject, and no misleading regarding what he must do. The very straight drawn lines give emphasis to both the television broadcasting the news story, and the darkness stirring within Tony Stark. As if the atrocities of the news story are drawing in our hero’s focus. The lines also give an increasing focus to the fluctuating power of the repulsor ray that Tony is adjusting while he watches. The darker Tony becomes the brighter and more fiercely the ray shines. The contrasting perpendicular lines meet nearly center on Tony and the weaponized gauntlet. Additionally the lines give the feeling of very closed in space. Though Tony Stark’s workshop is expansive, the use of linear vertical lines works to create the illusion of the walls being very constrained around Tony.
Another aspect used to connote the theme is the rhythm in which the scene progresses. How it seems to move along, then pause, then move to the next section and continue in this manner. Very reminiscent of how a person grows to understand and accept new events in their life. It progresses, then pauses to digest, and only then does it move forward. Each time Tony pauses it gives the audience time to evaluate his actions. Consciously we see him toss his screwdriver haphazardly to the counter, during the pause we subconsciously realize he doesn’t care about himself anymore. Consciously we see him take in his reflection in the glass, only to blow it to pieces moments later. In our subconscious we understand that he is frustrated with himself, and the person he used to be for causing this. The rhythm of the scene allows us to take a look at the theme while the scene is still happening.
