The+Royal+Tenenbaums 

//The Royal Tenenbaums// tells the story of a disconnected family trying to reconnect. The theme of the movie is one that touches on the idea of 'inner peace', both individually and with the people that surround them. All the characters in the film are hung up on things that have happened in the past, whether it be something they haven't acknowledged or can't seem to forget. Thus, what the characters need is to confront these problems in order to move on and maintain a sense of 'inner peace' and happiness within their lives.



One of the biggest things that contributes to both the theme and tone of the movie is the aspects of mise-en-scene. Character development is largely important within this movie, which is made very clear through mise-en-scene. In the beginning of the movie, we are introduced to each of the characters through individual montage sequences. The aspects of mise-en-scene that come into play here range from costumes to the presentation of individual rooms to how they are shown to be spending their time. We see the things they are interested in, and get a glimpse of what their life ahead may become. Essentially, we can imagine how they may end up years later due to how they have been presented to us at a younger age. However, when we are actually re-introduced to the characters 20 years later, we see that they haven't changed that much, if not at all. Most of the characters remain similar to how they were first presented to us, by wearing the same clothes, maintaining the same interests or staying true to the different aspects of their personality. All their personalities are still very distinct, but one thing they have in common is that they can't seem to let go of who they once were. The Tenenbaum children are all stuck in their childhood, suffering from the failure that they initially expected to be success. Margot, as an example, still wears the same heavy eyeliner, thick fur coat, and polo dresses she did as a child. Playwriting still interests her, but it's something she seems to have lost the grasp of as she grew older. Not only does her make up and attire portray Margot as a serious and angry person, but the fact that she carries this on into adulthood show her difficulties in getting past who she was as a child. These aspects of mise-en-scene therefore support the theme and tone, as they show the charachters unwillingness to let go of an aspect of their past by "growing up". In fact, it's only when the characters are "out of character" (in a sense) that they truly begin to resolve some of the problems within their lives (this being at their mothers wedding).



Furthermore, Anderson uses familiar image as an additional part of mise-en-scene. There are a few instances where we see reoccurring scenes from childhood to adulthood, as well as only adulthood. The purpose of these familiar images is to demonstrate that things may be different, yet still the same. This obviously contributes further to the theme, as it touches upon the idea of clinging on to things of the past. However, this is not the case with all examples. In some cases, the use of this familiar image may be an indication of positive change, like when we see Chas on the back of the truck with his father and two sons. This example of familiar image shows how Chas has let go of some of his paranoia, and embraced what he refused to be apart of before.

Other aspects that contribute to theme and tone include color, lighting and cinematography.



For the most part, the color and lighting remain the same throughout the movie. The scenes are very brightly lit with warm tones that vary in yellow, red and orange tints. The colors are very saturated, and there are also some hints of underlying blue tones. The use of the bright lighting and warm tones results in a very lighthearted, but warm feel for the movie. Colors in these hues can often be associated with the 'warm-heartedness' of family and love, but they can also be representative of anger and hate. Thus, the color and lighting supports the theme and tone by creating a bittersweet feel. One instance (the only instance) where the color changes completely is when Richie attempts to commit suicide. This scene is very dark with a dominating blue tint. The significance of this huge color change is to not only enhance the importance of the scene, but to also correlate the actions with the emotions we see on the screen. Blue colors often give off a melancholy feel, a reason why it was used in this scene.

The cinematography is a vital film technique that is used to better understand the characters. M ost shots are medium shots(some wide) focusing on one individual character, or wide shots including a number of people. The medium shots are often frontal shots with the subjects placed right in the middle. As a result, the focus is drawn to the person in the frame, causing you to pay particular attention to what they are doing or how they are acting.

The wide shots including a number of people surprisingly have a similar affect. Although perhaps not expected, the shots where everyone is together is where a lot can be gathered about the individual characters within the shot. Shots of this sort allow the viewer to see how every one of the character acts within the situation, both individually and in relation to those around them. For example, most of the shots where the family is together, Margot can be seen in the background. The fact that she is always in the back by herself establishes the aspect to her personality of being aloof. The way in which the characters are shot is therefore important, as it allows the viewer to assess how they act in different situations. The isolation of the different characters often implies that although this is a movie about family problems, it has more to do with personal matters for each individual. Moreover, by placing the characters together allows us to understand the disconnect between the family, despite them being gathered.

The cinematic techniques in //The Royal Tenenbaums// are all used to fully understand the different types of characters that exist within the Tenenbaum family. All the characters are strange with uncommon personalities, but they have common relatable problems. This movie is about more than just bringing a family back together. Instead, it is about //bringing a family back together//through each individual family member getting closure from their own personal problems. Therefore, mis-en-scene becomes greatly significant, as it shows how letting go is never easy. We see the characters age, but not fully "grow up" from the people they once were. In addition, familiar image is used to show how it's never easy to get rid of ones old ways. Color, lighting, and cinematography are all used provoke certain feelings within the viewer. Essentially guiding us to better understand how there is something missing from these peoples lives. Thus, when all put together, the cinematic techniques make it evident that before the family problem can be solved, each individual must solve a problem of their own.