Length: 4 or more pages
The final sequence in Blow-Up begins as we see the Photographer waking up at Ron’s house the morning after the party, and concludes with him being erased from the screen just as the words “The End” appear. Your essay should offer a close reading of a very few moments from this final sequence, in support of an argument about what they show or suggest, and what they imply about the Photographer. You should at least consider the key elements below as you shape your argument, and then, for the paper, focus closely on just one or two of those listed.
Shot of Photographer as he retraces his steps to the meadow on the hill-top. The sound of the trees.
The track in to a close-up of the Photographer and his reaction to the now-missing body. The sequence of him looking, the camera looking up at the trees, the overhead shot of the back of his head, etc.
The sign that lights up in behind the photographer as he leaves.
The appearance of the mimes as they come in on a jeep to the lower end of the park.
The imaginary game of tennis and the photographer’s response to it. What is Antonioni’s camera doing in relation to the game? When does it begin to participate in following the imaginary ball, and what does this imply?
The Photographer’s reactions to the game. What should we make of his occasional smiles?
His retrieval of the imaginary ball at the mime’s bidding. What should we understand from his participation in the illusion of the game?
The sounds of the ball emerging on the soundtrack.
9. The high overhead shot of the Photographer. His facial expression.
10. The music, erasure of the Photographer, and THE END and BLOW-UP on screen.
