Essay: "Angels & Demons" by Dan Brown
Early gothic novels established an idea of science
vs the supernatural. This was to relate to the ever-growing scientific
developments that was opposing the once established system of religion and the
resistance that was formed by Catholicism. This is established in Angels and
Demons through juxtaposition of images and the use of fear through pathetic
fallacy. The old Vatican city is juxtaposed throughout the entirety of movie
where the wild gothic architecture is set alongside modern architecture. This
holds true for the scene where professor Langdon is allowed entry into the
Vatican archives. The archives which represent years of Catholicism and
subsequently religion is juxtaposed with the use of the elevator and the ever
present technological advancements such as the electronic and systematic doors
as well as the use of technology to control the oxygen level in the archives,
which represent science . Glass has also been juxtaposed with the more
traditional wooden structure of the building. A low angle shot shows the wooden
building structure to emphasise the gothic architecture, whilst the high angle
shot displays the modern architecture - of scientific development. This juxtaposition of old an new is a
symbolic indifference between science and religion that has transcended time.
That although they have lived side by side they co-exist as two different objects
that oppose one another; supernatural vs science.
Pathetic fallacy has also been used to set the mood
and emphasise the gothic element of fear, furthering suspense. The majority of
the film is set during the night, with continuous references to midnight, an
esoteric reference to evil and fear. The fear of darkness is used here to
create a mood of fear and to foreshadow the events of conflict. Darkness often
pertains to the colour black, which has been used in early gothic fiction as a
relation to evilness and of ungodliness. Darkness arises after the first
cardinal is murdered and is used to establish that more death follows. This is
contrasted to the end of the movie where the threat of the bomb is gone and a
bright light illuminates the sky. The use of light and disappearance of the
clouds that has appeared brings a sense of safety and comfort and indicates
that a resolution is beginning in the movie. Light has often been used in
gothic literature to relate to heaven and good and has connotations, especially
when in the sky, to angels and salvation. This idea has transcended contexts
and is still relevant today.
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