Hit That Film!

Scene Analysis - The Last Seduction (1994)

Scene 9: she loves me, she loves me not.

Drunk and vulnerable

This scene is particularly important when telling this story due to the manipulation that is being taken place. Straight away we are presented by Mike in phone box with alcohol in his hand. This automatically makes the main protagonist look vulnerable and an easy target. A way that is acknowledged when using props is when we look at the answer machine we are also presented by a glass and a bottle of alcohol. This symbolises that Wendy is aware of the vulnerability and is ready to take advantage. Due to the glass be half empty in Wendy's bedroom gives an indication that all is not over and the prop symbolises how something can be added.

The glass half empty

Wendy then takes the glass and this shows how she is in control of Mike's emotions, especially when the main protagonist has been drinking. In this scene we get a glance at Wendy, the facial expressions shows that she is no longer interested. This is indicated as she rolls her eyes back and the body language shows how laid back she has been feeling throughout. Also the fact that Wendy has a newspaper on her bed with a pen in her hand shows how comfortable she feels when doing a simple crossword.

Comfortable body language

When looking at the setting we can speak about how the main protagonist is in an open setting in the dark on a pay phone, while Wendy is at home in bed listening to the answer machine. This highlights many contrasts. The first contrast is that it shows how vulnerable the main protagonist is while being out, drunk and in a dark place. This foreshadows that Wendy is about to give reasons why Mike looks weak. Secondly it also illustrates the separate lives both the main protagonist and Wendy have. Wendy is very secluded and is shown by the her being inside and alone in bed, while Mike is outside while to try new things.

Mike walking away

Consequently due to the contrast of different lives, the main protagonist leaves. This represents the fact that the main protagonist doesn't know whether or not he is coming or going. Looking at the costume and make up of this scene helps to represent this. Mikes costume and make up shows how he is very paranoid and closed up, this represented by having a buttoned up jacket. Whereas Wendy has a more open personality, represented by a tight vest top with no sleeves. The posture from both characters also shows personality, this is done by Mike standing and making an anxious impression and Wendy being laid down showing a relaxed vibe.

True love?

As a result to Mike walking away, Wendy takes this in her stride and takes full advantage. The manipulation begins when Wendy writes on the notepad her "love" for Mike with the idea that Mike will see this. Due to this happening it shows how Wendy can gain control again by just using words. The prop of the notebook therefore becomes very effective as we realise what power comes with it. When the main protagonist enters the bedroom and finds the note, there is no longer a bottle of alcohol, this shows how vulnerability has left and is no longer needed due to the manipulation working.

Did this work?

The manipulation that has been done seems to have worked, Wendy knows exactly how to play the main protagonist in order to get what she wants. This is seen to be the case due to the main protagonist looking shocked and in away relieved to find out that hope is still there with Wendy.

Finally together? Or finally stupid?