The Life of Pi - Pi and Richard Parker - Friendship Conquers All

The Life of Pi – Pi and Richard Parker

They say “love knows no bounds”. Does this mean friendship knows no bounds? Even if you are friend with someone who could kill you at any second? In the fil Life of Pi directed by Ang Lee, we are introduced to a relationship between a boy and an adult Bengal tiger that is taken to stand the test of survival in the open waters. Lee uses cinematography to show how Pi and Richard Parker’s relationship has developed into a true friend ship, he does this by mainly using close-up to show intense emotion between the two which has developed through time and creates an intense mood for the audience.

Instead of looking at the first scene of the two meeting or the scene we are introduced to them I am looking at the scene where Pi has accepted their fate of dying “We’re dying Richard Parker.” He is ultimately having the last interaction the two will have before being saved. We are shown a close-up shot of Richard Parker’s face and he is exhausted and weak from hunger, there is enough room in this shot to see Pi’s hand reaching you to touch Richard Parker’s face, reassuring him. This shot holds a big moment in the movie because for the first time Pi is able to touch Richard Parker without the fear of being killed. The audience is shown the twos relationship has reached a point where they have become equals and feel for one another.

In a similar shot we see close up of Pi place Richard Parker’s head in his lap, as he holds him there he begins to cry. At this point it is the tiger’s turn to comfort Pi. The close-up is necessary to show the audience the small nudging movements Richard Parker uses to comfort Pi as he cries. This development is crucial in their relationship because he is using the last of his strength to comfort his new friend as they both face the reality of death. The following shot is a wide show which shows their small boat in a vast foggy sea. This gives the scene emotion and tranquillity and symbolises the peace the two have found with one another. This shows the audience that the two are finally together in peace and able to part from this situation and friends, finally after waiting so long.

The use of close-ups in this scene helps show the emotion between the two as they have come a long way together and experienced a lot together which is how they are able to have such a strong relationship and a peaceful relationship which is represented in the scenes show. This creates a moving viewing experience for the audience to enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfUZoRN1Xo0

Corrigan, Timothy and White, Patricia. The Film Experience: An Introduction. Third Edition. 2012. Boston, New York. Bedford/St. Martin’s. Textbook.

The Life of Pi. Dir. Ang Lee. Fox 2000 Pictures. 2012. Film