Kill Bill Volume 2 - Burial/Escape Scenes Comparison

The burial scene and the escape scene of Beatrix Kiddo, whom is primarily known as the bride, portrays the bride in different ways using a variety of techniques such as camera work, sound, editing and mis-en-scene.

 

In the first scene, the intense burial scene is immediately obvious via the low camera shot of Budd which connotes him to be superior and the most dominant character in this scene which contrast to the Bride who is presented through a high angle shot displaying her weakness and that she is currently the victim.  There is an angelic non-diegetic music playing to set the cow boy like theme, also creating a sense of suspense to suggest violent action is to come. Once the Bride is in the coffin, discomforting and anxious noises are heard from the bride and are synchronised by the diegetic sound of the gravel being poured onto the coffin which is coincided with the loud nail drilling. The plight of her heartbeat signifies her apprehensiveness. Moreover, the bride is evidently depicted in a claustrophobic environment.  The darkness that fills the screen along with the sounds she makes almost makes you feel as if you are also trapped. Her feelings are intensified by the black screen. Her desperation and vulnerability is connoted by her continuous groans and screams. The torch she uses inside the coffin is the only source of light the bride has highlighting her small chance of escaping. There is an extreme close up of her eyes signifying her fear and innocence during this experience.

 

In comparison to the second scene, the escape of the bride displays a more heroic natured scene. The location is established by the use of a crane shot to show an isolated area. A wide panning shot follows to show where the bride lays in her coffin. This differs from the burial scene where more close ups are used. Furthermore, the lighting in this scene presents a much more comforting tone to the setting and contrasts to the hasher lighting in the first scene. This can signify that there is hope for the bride. The non-diegetic music that is apparent is exaggerated and is an arising tune which then becomes synchronised with the brides strategic movement. Additionally, the music foreshadows the escape, exhibiting a heroic character and reveals her self-control. Her breathing rate is also more steady and calm which contrasts to her anxiousness in the previous scene. As the bride remembers a technique she was taught, it unveils hope and shows her determination to get out. Her clenched fist as she punches the wood becomes the central point of the camera shot, presenting passion and triumph. It also depicts her bravery. Once the bride succeeds and manages to escape from the coffin, the dramatic punch through the ground brings back the sense of reality due to the silence of the scene.