Zhang+Yi+Mou

Zhang Yimou

Stylistic Elements 1. Most of his films begin with the title displayed in Chinese calligraphy style 2. The use of startling, often very saturated, color in order to convey embellish emotion 3. Astounding camera command 4. Exquisite and detailed set design 5. Sounds evocative of the period 6. Sense of space (rigid framing) 7. Always first decides whether to make film in expressionist/symbolic mode (xieyi) or realist mode 8. Erotic close-ups 9. Use physical environment to have an emotive influence of the physical environment on the characters and the story (chooses setting first and then builds stories)

Recurring Thematic Elements: 1. Films often explores the dark side of life in small Chinese rural communities 2. Highly differentiated masculinity - The male roles distinguish generation and gender, commonly including the moral gaze of the young: "the son's gaze" 3. The conflict of man foretells the desire of inner peace, whether the films are about the lives of humble peasants or exalted royalty 4. The resilience of Chinese people in the face of hardship and adversity
 * Credited with introducing sensuality and erotism to Chinese cinema
 * Films began to be censored by the government, causing Zhang Yi Mou to change his style

Sources: [|http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0955443/bio#trademark] [] [] []

__ASSIGNMENTS__ Analysis 1: @Raise the Red Lantern Analysis 2: Hero Analysis 3: @Curse of the Golden Flower