Symbols play an important part in telling the story in Brooklyn. When Eilish returns to Ireland after marrying Tony he sends her several letters. Eilish is torn between love of Tony and loyalty to her mother. A relationship develops with a local Wexford man Jim Farrell and Tony’s letters remain unopened and neatly filed in her bedside locker for some time. She turns one letter over and over in her hands and this action combined with her facial expression intimate the dilemma she faces. Her anguish is palpable and words are unnecessary. Later when she visits Jim Farrell’s home, his mother hints at the prospect of a marriage between Eilish and her son. The subsequent shot shows Eilish in her bedroom writing a letter to Tony and his letters are strewn, opened on the bedspread. This would suggest she is unable to forget Tony and may ultimately choose to return to him.

Mise-en-scene

The composition of a scene is important in a film. One example of this is when Eilish is offered a part-time job where her sister Rose used work. A photograph of Rose points to the fact she will be a replacement for her sister as bookkeeper. The scene is shot using close ups and narrow angles. The desk and surroundings are cluttered and the overall effect suggest this is a claustrophobic and restrictive environment. Eilish is seated and the company owner is standing and when he speaks it is in a condescending way to her. Accepting a job here will result in a stagnant servile environment.

In the succeeding shots of the church and shop this idea of joylessness is further revealed. The characters’ facial expression and body language suggest pent up emotions. Mrs Kelly and Mary, the shop assistant are unsmiling and Eilish must stifle a yawn. Mrs Kelly’s shop is locked and the bars resemble a jail. She treats her customers with varying levels of respect. She brings the wealthy Mrs Brady to the top of the queue and snipes at another poorer woman who asks for shoe polish. When Eilsih reveals that she intends migrating to America instead of congratulating her she is bitter and cancels the contract. 

When the action moves to her home even with the presence of light it seems dark.  Migration was a feature of life in Ireland at this time as it was difficult to get employment and Rose reassures her sister that she is making the correct decision. Staying in Ireland the best she could hope for would be to  marry some ‘blazer’ from the rugby club. In the ballroom scenes the diegetic songs that the band are playing and the lack of energy suggest that life in Ireland would not be a joyful one. 

The positioning of characters in relation to each other the position of the camera, low and high angle shots show for example Rose looking up to her younger sister as she departs for America. The ship sequence further emphasises this. The use of costume, all the Laceys are wearing some item of green clothing which links them together and as the film progresses and Eilish becomes more independent she will don different colours.

Title 

plot 

opening shot / first paragraph/ opening stage direction 

use of dialogue 

Description/ Mise en Scene/ stage direction- direction to the actors 

characterization
 setting
 structure of narrative linear /use of flashback/ memory Narrative point of view
 props/ words/ symbols/imagery/camera
 sound music diegetic and non diegetic
 tension
 closing scenes