Film Discussion - Deconstruction and Analysis

 Instant Family

Genre: 

Representation: 

During the beginning, Ellie and Claire have an argument on having kids which is shown through shot-reverse-shot editing. This leads to Ellie and Pete (her partner) pondering over the possibility of having kids. Furthermore, a zoom in shot of the laptop, which Ellie had been going through an adoption agency, is taken along with several close ups of: the laptop screen and Pete. This shows that although Pete had initially denied adopting kids, he was interested in the idea and may be willing to go through with it.

Soon the couple agrees on fostering and then adopting a kid/kids, and they begin preparing to do so. The scened showing the preparation include a non-diegetic song, which adds to the exciting feelings of the two characters. A slow slight zoom in is taken, showing the facial expressions and reactions of Ellie and Pete after their interaction with a teen (Lizzy). This conveys the relationship that is about to develop between the couple and the girl as well as their fondness towards her. This leads to them adopting not only her, but her other two siblings as well. 

A high angle master shot of the meeting with all of the foster/adoption parents is taken while they are seated in a circle. This shows the interactive space and development of friendly relationships between all of the parents and the centre owners. In this scene Ellie and Pete explain all of the problems and hardships they are experiencing as they try to parent the three kids. This further shows the comfortable environment of the place, allowing them to open up and ask for help. 

A long shot of Ellie brushing Lizzy's hair is taken, conveying the closeness establishing between them. However, the scenes after indicate that Lizzy is still not completely open to accepting the parents. She's keen on disliking them due to her previous experiences with her birth mother; who used to brush her hair just like Ellie had. The closeness with the other two kids however, had been increasing. The lighting in almost all of the scenes is warm and rather bright, adding to the realism. Natural lighting is also used, especially in outdoor locations and through windows. 

The lighting in the court room, one of the last few scenes, is very cool toned and dull. This creates contrast with the the rest of the scenes, indicating the place as more professional and serious. Moreover, the sad/intense emotions during that scene are emphasised through the lighting/tones. The couple may end up losing the kids to the birth mother, who was now back in the pictured, making them incredibly emotional. Even the scenes after they arrive back home, have darker lighting, showcasing the somber environment. 

One of the last scenes is a wide shot with natural lighting and a zoom out camera movement. It shows the house and the family walking out of it as they converse. This shows the bond that has established between them as they finally become one family.