μεταμορφώσεις

[Jeff Bernstein]

The Oppenheimer (2023) phenomenon

 

GROVES : We’ll have him killed. (p. 80)

 

Back to Owen Roizman! Back to the 1970s!

 

Network (1976) :

“Well, the issue is, shall we kill Howard Beale or not? I'd like to hear some more opinions on that.”

“I don't see we have any option, Frank. Let's kill the son of a b***h.” (1:57:17–1:57:26)

[Jeff Bernstein]

The Oppenheimer (2023) phenomenon

 

p. 105 : John Donne

 

GROVES : What do we call the test?

OPPENHEIMER : “Batter my heart, three-person’d god.”

GROVES : What?

OPPENHEIMER : Trinity.

 

Holy Sonnet 14 by John Donne is a religious poem written as a love poem. Was this one of the most surprising religious poems written in English up to this time (1633)? Donne uses violent imagery—even sexual imagery!—to invite God to breathe Goodness into him. This pious poem of holy love is yet earthy in its speech (ravish me), and suggests a conflict in the poet’s mind at the time. (Does the poet have “sex on the brain”?) The poet appeals to God to woo him away from an earthy distraction so that he might experience renewal of concentration, force and purpose.

 

Donne is an undisputed master of the technical and a genius of the subtle. Holy Sonnet 14 uses the three Fundamentals of fundamentals :  conflict, contrast, and contradiction.

 

Holy Sonnet 14

 

Batter my heart, three-person’d God; for you

As yet but knock, breathe, shine, and seek to mend;

That I may rise, and stand, o’erthrow me, and bend

Your force to break, blow, burn, and make me new.

I, like an usurped town, to another due, 

Labour to admit you, but oh, to no end.

Reason, your viceroy in me, me should defend,

But is captived, and proves weak or untrue.

Yet dearly I love you, and would be loved fain,

But am betrothed unto your enemy:

Divorce me, untie or break that knot again,

Take me to you, imprison me, for I,

Except you enthrall me, never shall be free,

Nor ever chaste, except you ravish me.

 

Reason, your viceroy in me—Is Donne saying that the origin of Reason is God?

 

John Donne sexualizes the approach of God in the same way that one administers to oneself a vaccine with a live virus in it. Donne brings God down to Earth and raises Earth up to God. Both God and Earth (the earthy) are found in the heart and mind of human beings—who are never free from passion (Stimmung), to whatever degree. The unspeakable is approached through the earthy—just as the character Oppenheimer brings down the fire of the heavens to earth, and then moves through that fire toward Deeper Understanding.

 

 

 

 

Edited September 18, 2023 by Jeff Bernstein

[Jeff Bernstein]

The Oppenheimer (2023) phenomenon

 

Albert Einstein : “The atomic bomb has changed everything except the nature of man.”

 

p. 143 : Catastrophic one-upmanship

 

PRESIDENT TRUMAN : You think anyone in Hiroshima or Nagasaki gives a s*** who built the bomb? They care who dropped it. I did. Hiroshima isn’t about you.

 

This perverse utterance is a localized Triple Tone in action : serious, funny, perverse.

 

“I did.” President Truman is more than happy to be celebrated as a mass murderer of women and children. Moreover, he’s a credit hog!

 

Contrast. Compare Truman’s perverse victory lap to Secretary of War Stimson’s more measured response on the subject (e.g., “I worry about an America where we do these things and no one protests.” p. 116).

 

BALANCE OF TERROR : Some subsequent history.

 

In the late 1940s, President Truman described America’s atomic bombs as “weapons of peace”.

 

By 1957 the United States had a firepower of 5,420 nuclear bombs, equalling a total megatonnage of 16,300 MT. A CIA National Intelligence Estimate issued in 1957 speculated that the U.S.S.R. might have 3,000 to 4,000 nuclear bombs of its own by 1961.

 

A report given to the Special Subcommittee on Radiation of the Joint Congressional Committee on Atomic Energy on 22–23 June 1959, estimated that in the event of a 5,000 megaton attack, up to 75 percent of the American population could be killed; a 10,000 megaton attack would kill 87 percent of the American people; 20,000 megatons, 96 percent.  

 

John Foster Dulles, President Eisenhower’s Secretary of State, encapsulated the Eisenhower Administration’s strategy in one phrase—massive retaliation.

 

President Eisenhower wrote in his diary in December 1953 : “As of now, the world is racing toward catastrophe.”

 

*

 

Cook, Fred J., The Warfare State (London: Jonathan Cape, 1963), 335–6.

Henriksen, Margot A., Dr. Strangelove’s America: Society and Culture in the Atomic Age (Berkeley, Los Angeles, London: University of California Press, 1997), xvi.; 16; 40; 44.

Roman, Peter J., Eisenhower and the Missile Gap (Ithaca and London: Cornell University Press, 1995), 8; 21; 22; 23, 25; 130.

Taubman, Philip, Secret Empire: Eisenhower, the CIA, and the Hidden Story of America’s Space Espionage (New York, New York: Simon & Schuster, 2003), 14.

[Jeff Bernstein]

The Oppenheimer (2023) phenomenon

 

p. 171 / 194 : Sophoclean self-references

 

OPPENHEIMER : Isn’t anyone ever going to tell the truth about what’s happening here?

 

Yes—the artists behind Oppenheimer. (171)

 

KITTY : Did you think if you let them tar and feather you the world would forgive you? It won’t.

OPPENHEIMER : We’ll see. (194)

 

“We’ll see”—has a double signification. (1) The artists of Oppenheimer are attempting to restore Oppenheimer to his proper measure. Will they succeed? (2) “We’ll see” = people will watch the movie.

 

p. 154 / etc. : Screenwriting subtlety

 

KITTY : The truly vindictive are as patient as saints. (154)

HILL : Because the personal vindictiveness [Strauss] demonstrated against Dr Oppenheimer. . . .  (172)

 

STRAUSS : A closed hearing—no audience, no reporters, no burden of proof. (158)

SENATE AIDE (to Strauss) : We’re not in a court, there’s no burden of proof. (184)

 

p. 182 : Kitty explains tyranny for us

 

KITTY : You’re all being too godd**n gentlemanly!

 

Indeed. Tyranny uses politeness to grease its evil purposes. Then when the victim gets upset at gratutious injustice—Surprise! The victim is the criminal. So why play by the rules of tyranny?

 

p. 188 : the Authentic Artist

 

STRAUSS : He needed . . . To suffer, and take the sins of the world on his shoulders.

recalls

BLACKETT : Christ, Oppenheimer . . . (4)

 

 

 

 

 

Edited September 19, 2023 by Jeff Bernstein

[Jeff Bernstein]

FADE IN

 

EXT. OUTSIDE ROMAN CAMP - GAUL - MORNING

 

ROMAN TROOPS chopping trees and gathering wood. WARRIOR GAULS suddenly rush out of the forest and attack them! INSURRECTION!

 

TITUS

(v.o.)

Two weeks after moving our winter quarters

to the Continent, the Gauls attacked us.

 

The GAULS surround the army camp.

 

INSIDE CAMP

 

Busyness and mobilization. Armed TROOPS mount platforms, peering out at the enemy.

 

In tight formation the CAVALRY gallops out through the gates, ready to engage.

 

OUTSIDE CAMP

 

The GAULS see the CAVALRY approaching. They drop their weapons, raise their hands over their heads, and begin calling out in a clamour.

 

The CAVALRY slows to a halt during the following :

 

TITUS (v.o.)

It was a regional quirk of the Gauls to invite the enemy

to send a man forward to meet one of theirs, for an

impromptu colloquium to resolve battlefield disputes.

 

Two ROMANS are sent forward as dignitaries, ARPINEIUS and JUNIUS. Solemnly they walk through their cavalry lines. At the head of the Roman force they come to stand in the gap between the two warring parties. Everyone watches in expectant silence.

 

TITUS

(v.o.)

Ambiorix, representative of the Gauls, came forward to meet them.

 

AMBIORIX stands before them.

 

AMBIORIX

Great Rome! I honour Caesar and his beneficence!

Caesar and Rome have been good to me,

good to my family, and good to my people.

I did not come here willingly. I did not lead my

men here willingly. I was compelled by the kings

of these lands to raise arms against you, though I know

I have no chance at all. For who on earth is strong

enough to beat the Romans? I stand here now not

only to ask for peace, but to offer Caesar a gift from

my own people—I offer him an invitation.

 

ARPINEIUS and JUNIUS look to each other, puzzled.

 

CUT TO :

 

INT. MEETING ROOM - HIGH NOON

 

CAESAR enthroned, sitting before ARPINEIUS and JUNIUS. Standing nearby are TITUS and ADVISORS.

 

ARPINEIUS

He tells us a large German force has been hired

and paid for by some of the Gauls. This force

has already crossed the river Rhine.

 

CAESAR holds up his hand.

 

TITUS

They’re two days away.

 

CAESAR nods, then looks to ARPINEIUS and JUNIUS.

 

JUNIUS

Ambiorix has invited us to march through his own lands

 to face the German force. He promised with an oath that

we shall pass through unharmed.

 

TITUS

If we smash the Germans we’ll be protecting the Gauls.

 

CAESAR

What is so simple to say is still too difficult

for some of them to understand.

 

CAESAR waves off ARPINEIUS and JUNIUS, who leave the building.

 

TITUS and ADVISORS approach CAESAR.

 

CAESAR

(sighs)

Reaping small corn requires ever larger effort.

 

TITUS

Let us consider this. Are we sure they’re marching here?

What if they’ve come to destroy the corn-supply?

They don’t have to lift a weapon to starve us to death.

 

ADVISOR 1

Why wait to see if the Germans come to us?

 

ADVISOR 2

Regardless of their intent we must go and meet them.

 

CAESAR

We must destroy them before they rouse

any others into antagonism toward Rome.

 

ADVISOR 1

Sir, consider the delay in your departure for Italy.

It is much later in the season this year than in earlier

times. It’s no stretch to conceive that the enemy

believes you gone. Therefore they presently labour

under a mistaken confidence.

 

ADVISOR 2

All the better to meet them head on.

Their confidence weakens them.

 

CAESAR

Immaterial are the finer points of all this—whether the

Germans come to destroy Gaul, or destroy our corn-supply,

or destroy us. What I have decided upon must be acted on

at once. Prepare the troops. We march at dawn.

[Jeff Bernstein]

EXT. CAMP - DAWN

 

CAESAR and ADVISORS and TITUS watch from a platform as a tremendous ordered formation of TROOPS march out of camp—a long train with much materiel.

 

TITUS

(v.o.)

At first light the army marched out of camp.

We were persuaded, for the information had

come not from an enemy but friend Ambiorix.

 

EXT. FOREST - DAWN

 

ENEMY hiding in trees.

 

TITUS

(v.o.)

The enemy had hidden themselves two

miles away, and waited for us to come.

 

EXT. VALLEY FLOOR - MORNING

 

TROOPS marching. Suddenly the ENEMY blocks off both ends of the valley path!

 

The TROOPS begin turning around to look—and the ENEMY is already attacking!

 

COMMANDER COTTA

Abandon the baggage! Abandon the baggage!

Form a square! Form a square!

 

Nearby TROOPS begin organizing into a tight fighting formation.

 

TITUS

(v.o)

This counsel of the commander’s, though not a questionable

choice in an emergency of this kind, had a bad result.

 

The GAULS (!) besiege the Fighting Square in one crashing wave of men. Structure breaks down. The TROOPS are routed amid a great CLAMOUR of shouts and cries. All is confusion in the claustrophobia of the valley.

 

DOUBLE-CROSS! It is AMBIORIX who is commanding the enemy forces! He shouts orders at his WARRIORS.

 

COMMANDER TITURIUS on horseback gallops every which way up and down the lines, attempting to organize the men, but he is flustered, and gets nowhere.

 

TITUS

(v.o.)

The enemy knew that what we left behind would be theirs,

which encouraged them to fight all the more zealously.

This day they equalled us in courage and aggression.

 

Urged on by AMBIORIX, the ENEMY begins showering the ROMANS with stones.

 

TITUS

(v.o.)

Though all command had broken down,

our men put their faith in their courage.

 

A body of ROMAN TROOPS break away and charge at the ENEMY. As they push the ENEMY back, they themselves move ever farther away from their lines.

 

TITUS

(v.o.)

Amid the many wounded our army stood strong.

 

The ENEMY begins shooting arrows at the breakaway TROOPS.

 

The TROOPS turn around to rush back to their lines, but are quickly surrounded by the ENEMY—a massacre ensues—

 

LATER - EARLY EVENING

 

The ENEMY is routing the ROMANS, whose lines have broken down to utter confusion—they fight in small groups here and there. 

 

TITUS (cont’d.)

(v.o.)

They fought for eight hours without

bringing dishonour upon themselves.

 

Roman commanders are falling :

 

TITUS BALLENTIUS : killed by an arrow.

QUINTUS LUCANIUS : killed by sword.

LUCIUS COTTA : killed by stone to the face.

 

LATER - DUSK

 

The moon is rising over the fighting.

 

COMMANDER TITURIUS, looking all-in, gallops to AMBIORIX with both hands raised over his head.

 

AMBIORIX lowers the weapon in his hand.

 

TITUS

(v.o.)

While our commander was discussing terms

with the double-crossing Ambiorix . . .

 

Slowly but steadily, while he speaks, TITURIUS is surrounded by the ENEMY while AMBIORIX says not a word in warning.

 

The ENEMY closes in and kills TITURIUS.

 

And the ENEMY CHEERS!

 

LATER - NIGHT

 

The remaining TROOPS see themselves surrounded by the ENEMY. In answer, they begin to commit suicide.

 

TITUS

(v.o.)

Who of us could slip away did so, and followed unfrequented

paths back to camp. The rest were cut down to a man.

 

EXT. OUTSIDE CAMP - DEAD OF NIGHT

 

An exhausted horse walks out of the woods. Riding it is a young SOLDIER, bloody from head to toe and tears streaming from his eyes.

 

TITUS

(v.o.)

The double-crossing Ambiorix went at once to nearby kingdoms

with the news that our army had been weakened.

 

AT GATE

 

CAESAR and TITUS and ADVISORS watch as the BLOODY SOLDIER enters in.

 

TITUS (cont’d.)

(v.o.)

This was their moment, he told them, to exact

revenge for all the years of Roman rule.

 

CU CAESAR

 

How do you think he looks?

 

 

 

 

 

Edited September 20, 2023 by Jeff Bernstein

[Jeff Bernstein]

CUT TO :

 

EXT. ROMAN CAMP OF CICERO - NIGHT

 

Another Roman outpost in the middle of nowhere.

 

TITUS

(v.o.)

Elsewhere in the region, the winter camp of Commander Cicero’s

contingent had not yet received news of the ongoing situation.

 

Suddenly a huge force of ENEMY GAULS descends on the camp.

 

TITUS

(v.o.)

Ambiorix encouraged a number of peoples

to keep up the attack, all under the leadership

of the Nervii—who came from out of the north,

 and were allies of Germany.

 

A deep ditch surrounds the camp as protection. The ENEMY begins to fill it in with earth. . . .

 

NEXT MORNING

 

The ditch is now filled-in enough to cross—so the ENEMY crosses over and attacks! They bring bows and arrows, spears, stones, other missiles; also ladders to scale the walls.

 

ROMAN TROOPS, standing on the ramparts, wield long pikes to defend themselves.

 

TITUS

(v.o.)

Some of the chiefs fighting with the Nervii were not

unfriendly to us; and in the midst of the fighting they

requested a colloquium with Cicero.

 

INT. MEETING ROOM - MORNING

 

COMMANDER CICERO, looking as if he hasn’t slept, is speaking with REPRESENTATIVES OF GAUL.

 

Fighting sounds drift in from outside.

 

GAUL REP

Know that the Germans have indeed crossed over

into Gaul. Your friends all over the land are now

feeling the strength of our hands. There is no

 longer anyone here you can trust. Go now. Go

in any direction. Just go, and don’t come back.

 

CICERO

It is not the policy of Rome to respond to conditions

from the enemy. But if you stand down now, I will

personally speak with Caesar, so that he might grant

you an audience, and deliver an answer to your terms.

 

TITUS

(v.o.)

In response to this, the enemy set Cicero’s camp aflame.

 

EXT. CAMP - NOON

 

ENEMY sends flaming arrows and red-hot clay missiles soaring over the walls and into the camp.

 

Thatched buildings catch fire.

 

The ENEMY begins scaling the walls and dropping down inside the camp!

 

In this state of siege all hell breaks loose.

 

TITUS

(v.o.)

So marvellous was the virtue of our men that not a one

stood down from the impediments of flame and arrow,

but stood strong, and fought with maximum strength.

 

Close combat! ROMAN TROOPS thrust pikes through the ENEMY, while the ENEMY throws stones, and shoots fiery arrows, and fights hand-to-hand.

 

EXT. CAMP - EVENING

 

Inside and outside the walls, the fighting and the flames continue.

 

CUT TO :

 

EXT. CAMP - MORNING

 

Still fighting, still fires.

 

TITUS

(v.o.)

As the fighting dragged on for days, more and more

dispatches were sent by messenger to Caesar . . .

 

AT GATES

 

The ENEMY torturing and killing ROMAN MESSENGERS.

 

TITUS (cont’d.)

(v.o.)

Many of them the enemy captured, tortured,

and killed before the gates of the camp.

 

INSIDE CAMP

 

Amid the chaos, we see COMMANDER CICERO peering out through a window of his meeting place.

 

TITUS (cont’d.)

(v.o.)

And then Commander Cicero had an idea.

 

CU

 

Two hands roll up a message and slip it into the hollow shaft of a spear.

 

WIDER - INSIDE MEETING PLACE

 

The spear is handed to a SLAVE, who nods at the ASSEMBLY of ROMAN NOBLEMEN.

 

EXT. CAMP - HIGH NOON

 

Clutching the spear, the SLAVE rushes through the fiery melee and out through the gates into the maelstrom.

 

CUT TO :

 

EXT. CICERO’S CAMP - EARLY EVENING

 

From out of the surrounding trees comes CAESAR on horseback, leading his ARMY!

 

His TROOPS destroy the ENEMY every which way.

 

TITUS

(v.o.)

Caesar killed a great many of the enemy,

and stripped them of all their arms and armour.

 

LATER - NIGHT

 

The last of the ENEMY flees into the trees. The battle is over. All is quiet now except for the crackling fires.

 

CUT TO :

 

CAMP - NEXT MORNING

 

Birdsong. Smoke rising from the extinguished fires. The dead and the wounded occupy most available spaces. The living have begun the process of cleaning up and restoring order.

 

DISSOLVE TO :

 

All dead and wounded have been cleared away, and in their place a PARADE OF TROOPS march past CAESAR and CICERO, etc., sitting enthroned on a platform.

 

A BIT LATER

 

CAESAR addresses the camp while the smoke rises around him.

 

CAESAR

Your strength and your courage—your virtue—is an

honour to Rome. You have expiated the evil, and

have given the enemy no large joy to celebrate,

nor yourselves no large grief to mourn . . .

 

CUT TO :

 

EXT. FOREST - DAY

 

The ROMAN TROOPS are burying their dead.

 

TITUS

(v.o.)

In the meantime, the news of Caesar’s great victory

shot with incredible speed through the region.

 

EXT. OUTSIDE ANOTHER ROMAN CAMP #1- DAY

 

We hear cheers of victory coming from inside the walls.

 

EXT. OUTSIDE ANOTHER ROMAN CAMP #2 - DUSK

 

High up on the walls, SOLDIERS in silhouette wave their weapons in joy.

 

CUT TO :

 

EXT. NATIVE VILLAGE - NIGHT

 

Here and there, GAULS with long-faces.

 

INT. MEETING PLACE

 

Assembly of long-faced GAULS in consultation with one another.

 

TITUS

(v.o.)

For the rest of the winter our enemy held secret

councils in unknown places. The Continent was

preparing for all-out war, one last push to

remove the grip of Rome from the region forever.

 

CU CAESAR - NIGHT

 

Gazing at the starry sky.

 

WIDER

 

CAESAR enters his tent.

 

TITUS

(v.o.)

All winter long we kept receiving reports of enemy

mobilization. There was scarcely one day of the winter

without some worry for Caesar.

 

WIDER STILL - CAMP

 

Soldiers on duty in the peaceful moonlight.

 

TITUS

(v.o.)

We all knew the enemy was systematically preparing to

surround us. With full force they meant to overcome us

and reduce us to dust.

 

EXTREME WIDE

 

The army camp all alone in the wilderness.

 

TITUS (cont’d.)

(v.o.)

This anxiety was the mood of our winter that year.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited September 20, 2023 by Jeff Bernstein

[Jeff Bernstein]

EXT. CAMP GATE - MORNING

 

Through thick-falling sleet we see TITUS and ADVISORS speaking together.

 

ADVISOR 1

If Caesar expects to return to Rome to

a hero’s welcome, he must fix this.

 

ADVISOR 2

The Senate will scorn a complete map of Britain

if the Continent falls through his fingers!

 

Suddenly the sun breaks through cloud. TITUS looks up to see CAESAR standing over them on a rampart.

 

TITUS

(squinting)

If he will live, he must destroy.

 

CUT TO :

 

EXT. FIELD - DAY

 

A colossal concentration of TROOPS in rectilinear formation.  

 

TITUS

(v.o.)

Caesar taxed the district, and used the

funds to raise three new legions out of

the conscripts of Gaul. His swift renewal

of his forces demonstrated to the Continent

what Roman discipline and diligence can do.

 

MONTAGE of forest pathways and snowbound villages.

 

TITUS (cont’d.)

(v.o.)

Then Caesar turned all his heart and mind to

the effort of capturing Ambiorix. That double-

dealer’s mutiny could yet catch fire a second

time. He had to be destroyed.

 

INT. CAESAR’S TENT - NIGHT

 

CAESAR studying military paperwork by candlelight, and taking notes.

 

TITUS (cont.’d)

(v.o.)

Caesar went looking for the treacherous Ambiorix.

 

EXT. GAUL - ESTABLISHING - SUNRISE

 

Many destroyed villages are aflame. CAESAR and TROOPS march off into the distance, victorious.

 

TITUS (cont’d.)

(v.o.)

When Caesar had silenced some doubters . . .

 

EXT. PORT - MORNING

 

Caesar’s ship is launched.

 

TITUS (cont’d.)

(v.o.)

he set sail for Italy. There he would

finish out his winter rest.

 

ASEA

 

Caesar’s ship riding the waves.

 

REVERSE

 

Desolate landfall.

 

TITUS (cont’d.)

(v.o.)

He left Gaul quiet behind him.

 

CU CAESAR

 

Standing on deck, looking toward land with irritation on his face.

 

TITUS (cont’d.)

(v.o.)

As for double-crosser Ambiorix, men say he

crept away along unmarked paths by night,

and was never to be seen again.

 

CAESAR angry now as icy sleet falls around him.

 

FADE OUT

 

CUT TO :

 

BLACK SCREEN

 

SUPERTITLE : VERCINGETORIX

[Jeff Bernstein]

Coming Attraction

 

KUBRICK : Caesar’s Gallic Wars. What do you think?

RAPHAEL : Pretty good book.

KUBRICK : Is there a movie in it?

RAPHAEL : Pretty expensive. Especially building that bridge over the Rhine.

KUBRICK : Remember that scene between Caesar and the German guy . . . after he’s finally surrendered?

RAPHAEL : Vercingetorix?

KUBRICK : Remember that?

RAPHAEL : When he asks Caesar why he had to come in and ruin all their lives basically?

KUBRICK : That’s a pretty good scene in there. We wouldn’t have to change a thing. That’s one hell of a scene.

 

Frederic Raphael, Eyes Wide Open (New York : Ballantine Books, 1999), 75–76.

 

 

 

 

Edited September 22, 2023 by Jeff Bernstein

[Jeff Bernstein]

CUT TO :

 

MONTAGE  : Everyday life in central Gaul (the Auvergne region of today’s France).

 

NIGHT

 

Full moon. VILLAGERS—including DRUIDS—worshiping the moon in solemn ceremony. We hear the sound of ancient Greek spoken.

 

DAWN

 

Birdsong. FARMERS milking cows.

 

MORNING

 

Amid barking dogs, a HUNTING PARTY sets out into a forest.

 

NOON

 

MEN AND WOMEN (in their 20s) bathing together in skimpy clothing. It is all good-natured and chaste. Among them is a KIND YOUNG MAN, who, though strongly-built, acts as gentle as the rest.

 

NOON

 

IRONSMITH HAMMERING red-hot glowing iron.

 

EXT. VILLAGE (somewhere in Gaul) - DAY

 

An AMBASSADOR OF GAUL rides in on a donkey.

 

TOWN ADMINISTRATOR

(v.o.)

Sirs, an ambassador from the north has arrived for parley.

 

EXT. WATER WELL - DAY

 

An ASSEMBLY OF LOCAL ELDERS sit down on smoothed stone seats ordered in a circle round the well.

 

AMBASSADOR addresses the men.

 

AMBASSADOR

Secret dispatches have come from Rome, but nothing in our

world stays secret for long. Back where he came from Caesar

is embroiled in great political commotion, so he has yet to

raise sail for our parts. When he does, he may have a divided

attention. This is our opportunity to strike and destroy Rome

once and for all, and to send them away for good. Amid all his

troubles and distractions there, still he has sent word to us

of a new demand. Every last son of ours of military age—that

would be seventeen in years—must now be conscripted into his

army. This rule we cannot allow. We Gauls, and the Germans,

must unite and fight the power of Rome, and once and for

all take back what is ours! Otherwise all the sons of our lands

will be forced to face off against you and me and all our families

and all our peoples, with Caesar raising his sword at the head!

 

ELDER 1

How difficult would it be to capture Caesar

just as he steps off his ship?

 

ELDER 2

Yes. We withhold him from his troops. The Roman army cannot

fight a large-scale campaign here without him. Each little camp

of theirs is too cowardly to tread far from its walls. Caesar alone

can join them together and bring one unified force against us.

 

ELDER 3

Whatever we do—we die fighting for what is ours,

or we don’t deserve any of it!

 

Tthe ASSEMBLY murmurs assent. ELDER 1 steps up to AMBASSADOR.

 

ELDER 1

Come, friend, and take the solemn oath. All

of us must stand together—all the kingdoms

—or else all of us fall under Caesar’s foot.

 

AMBASSADOR

You have my solemn word, and my faith.

 

ELDER 3

Now we must send a message

that all the Continent shall hear.

 

CUT TO :

 

EXT. VILLAGE OF CENABUM (in north-central Gaul) - MORNING

 

A thriving Roman outpost.

 

ENEMY HORSEMEN OF GAUL invade, and massacre EVERY LAST CITIZEN—men, women, children.

 

ENEMY HORSEMAN

(shouting)

GET THE CORN SUPPLY! BURN IT DOWN!

 

LATER - SUNSET

 

The ENEMY HORSEMEN gallop off, leaving the town in flaming ruins, with corpses strewn everywhere, and blood soaking into the earth.

 

MONTAGE : ALERTING THE PEOPLE! - SUNSET TO SUNRISE

 

As the ENEMY HORSEMEN crest the summit of a hill, MAN 1, by the side of the pathway, shouts the news to MAN 2, who is standing on a nearby hill.

 

MAN 1

. . . CENABUM IS DESTROYED . . . ! ! !

 

LATER - DARKENING

 

MAN 2 shouts the news across a distance to MAN 3.

 

NIGHT

 

MAN 3, holding torch, shouts the news to MAN 4, also holding torch.

 

DUSK

 

In this manner, from neighbour to neighbour, the news of the massacre of Cenabum circulates through the regions of Gaul.

 

SUNRISE

 

From across a field MAN 5 shouts to the KIND YOUNG MAN we saw bathing in the river.

 

MAN 5

. . . MASSACRED THE ROMANS IN CENABUM . . . ! ! !

 

EXT. VILLA - SUNRISE

 

GOBANNITIO, a chieftain, hears the airborne voices surrounding the grounds of his comfortable home.

 

VOICE 1

. . . MASSACRE. . . ! ! !

 

VOICE 2

. . . CENABUM . . . ! ! !

 

VOICE 3

. . . REVOLUTION . . . ! ! ! !

 

GOBANNITIO hears a voice speak quietly behind him.

 

MAN’S VOICE

(o.s.)

The time is now.

 

GOBANNITIO turns to see the KIND YOUNG MAN. This is VERCINGETORIX—young, powerful, warlike, and holding a sword.

 

GOBANNITIO

Where is this town of Cenabum?

 

VERCINGETORIX

Two hundred miles north. It happened yesterday.

Let’s not wait till tomorrow to act.

 

GOBANNITIO

Yes, child. We must establish a council of war.

 

VERCINGETORIX

Ha! By the time all the kings agree on a

meeting place Caesar will have already

smashed all places to the ground! I go now!

 

GOBANNITIO

To do what?

 

VERCINGETORIX

To raise an army of my own.

 

GOBANNITIO

Do not say such things! You want

to put us all in danger?

 

VERCINGETORIX

We are in danger!

 

GOBANNITIO

You have no power to make decisions

like that. You have no claim to rule.

 

VERCINGETORIX

I give myself the power.

 

CUT TO :

 

EXT. TOWN OF GERGOVIA - DAY

 

In town centre the ELDERS face VERCINGETORIX, his hands bound together, while the PEOPLE watch. GOBANNITIO watches, looking uncomfortable.

 

TOWN CRIER

Because you seek to make war with Rome

without public colloquy and support, you,

 Vercingetorix, for the safety of your fellows,

are hereby banished from the town of Gergovia!

 

VERCINGETORIX has his hands untied by a POLICEMAN.

 

VERCINGETORIX

Damn you all and your “safety”!

 

VERCINGETORIX mounts his horse.

 

VERCINGETORIX (cont’d.)

I’ll fight your battles! I’ll give you your

freedom whether you want it or not!

 

POLICEMEN brandish spears at VERCINGETORIX.

 

VERCINGETORIX (cont’d.)

I’ll fight for all the weaklings and cowards of

Gaul! Damn you to hell, all of you! I’m off!

 

VERCINGETORIX gallops away at top speed.

 

ELDER

The young man cares.

 

GOBANNITIO

We will suffer for it.

 

VERCINGETORIX recedes into the distance.

 

CUT TO :

 

EXT. FIELDS - DAY

 

VERCINGETORIX on horseback, talking to FILTHY PEOPLE (scrounging a living by picking weeds).

 

VERCINGETORIX

(v.o.)

First I gathered together outcasts and the homeless.

 

CUT TO :

 

EXT. OUTSIDE VILLAGE - DAY

 

VERCINGETORIX leading ARMY (SMALL) into village.

 

EXT. VILLAGE CENTER - DAY

 

VERCINGETORIX speaking passionately to an ASSEMBLY OF PEOPLE.

 

VERCINGETORIX

(v.o.)

Wherever I went, I persuaded more

and more men to follow my cause.

 

CUT TO :

 

EXT. VALLEY FLOOR - DAY

 

VERCINGETORIX leading ARMY (LARGER).

 

EXT. OUTSIDE GERGOVIA - DAY

 

VERCINGETORIX leading ARMY (LARGE) into village.

 

VERCINGETORIX

(v.o.)

I went back home, and banished all

those who had banished me.

 

EXT. VILLAGE CENTER - GERGOVIA - DAY

 

VERCINGETORIX, surrounded by the CHEERING PEOPLE.

 

VERCINGETORIX (cont.’d)

(v.o.)

Now they named me king.

 

INT. MEETING HALL - DAY

 

VERCINGETORIX at table, writing messages.

 

VERCINGETORIX (cont.’d)

(v.o.)

I sent messages to all the regions

around me, demanding their loyalty.

 

EXT. FIELD - DAY

 

VERCINGETORIX walking in the midst of a HUGE CROWD OF ASSEMBLED TRIBESMEN, glad-handing.

 

VERCINGETORIX (cont.’d)

(v.o.)

Quickly I gained the trust of the Senones and the Parisii

and the Pictones and the Cadurci and the Turoni and

the Aulerci and the Lemovices and the Andi and many

many more. . . .

 

CUT TO :

 

CU VERCINGETORIX

 

VERCINGETORIX (cont’d.)

(v.o.)

By common consensus, it was bestowed

upon me the honour of the supreme command.

 

Looking out with satisfaction at :

 

WIDE

 

EXT. ARMY HQ - DAY

 

VERCINGETORIX standing at the head of an ARMY OF WARRIORS.

 

VERCINGETORIX

(v.o.)

In no time at all I had raised my army.

 

VERCINGETORIX waits as TWO WARRIORS step up beside him, dragging between them a VICTIM. Before the ASSEMBLY the TWO WARRIORS gouge out the VICTIM’S eyes.

 

VERCINGETORIX

(v.o.)

I maintained order and demanded respect.

No man of mine would willingly ignore my law.

 

INT. ROOM - NIGHT

 

VERCINGETORIX in bed, writing by candlelight.

 

VERCINGETORIX

(v.o.)

There was no time to lose. I calculated the amount of arms

each region must donate to the cause, and the date all

weapons must be delivered to me.

 

 

 

 

Edited September 22, 2023 by Jeff Bernstein

[Jeff Bernstein]

CUT TO :

 

EXT. SEA - (LATE WINTER) - DAWN

 

CAESAR’S WARSHIP riding the waves, followed by many SHIPS. Heavy snow falling.  

 

CAESAR on deck, reading messages. TITUS steps up.

 

TITUS

The latest intelligence from Gaul?

 

CAESAR

If we have these, let’s assume they know we know it.

They won’t come for me in the harbour.

 

TITUS

Perhaps not. But the difficulty of you heading inland

may be tremendous. For your own personal safety,

perhaps we should stay offshore at Provence, and

march the legions down to meet you.

 

CAESAR

And if they meet the enemy on the way? I will not have

them fight without me. The reinforcements coming with

us from Rome shall serve our purpose well enough.

 

TITUS

Those are conscripts who have never fought a battle before!

 

CAESAR, reading, ignores him.

 

TITUS

(pressing on)

Sir, the kingdoms are uniting in a manner and with

a speed we would have thought unthinkable before

now. Not much good will distinguishes the Continent

at present. How will you find safe passage inland?

 

CAESAR gestures to map in his hand.

 

CAESAR

(irritated)

The district of Narbo is favourable to us, is it not?

 

TITUS

Which is why they’re surrounded by the enemy.

 

CAESAR

Listen now. When we land you take the conscripts

through Narbo and go northwest. I will go north on

my own. Once I reach the Helvii, who still favour us,

I’ll send word to the legions, and not until then.

 

TITUS

Yes, sir.

 

CAESAR

Rome will unite faster than the barbarians. We will

redistribute our forces, in preparation to face this . . .

 

POV

 

Seawaves obscured by thick-falling snow.

 

CU CAESAR

 

CAESAR

Vercingetorix.

 

CUT TO :

 

INT. MEETING HALL - DAY

 

VERCINGETORIX enthroned, with ADVISORS standing before him. The windows are covered in snow.

 

ADVISOR 1

King, Caesar is back on the Continent.

 

VERCINGETORIX

Very good. We need our enemies

close, if we’re to kill them.

 

ADVISOR 2 gestures at wall-mounted map.

 

ADVISOR 2

He’s begun posting new garrisons all over the

region, facing our allies, as if inviting us to attack.

The weather has yet to slow Rome down. His great

army moves throughout the lands and we cannot

anticipate where he might strike in force.

 

VERCINGETORIX

Where is the “great man” now?

 

ADVISOR 1

Caesar has installed himself in the district of the Helvii.

 

VERCINGETORIX

Ha! There the mountains of Cevennes blocks

him off from the border of the Avernii—

(smiles)

my old home.

(serious)

If he’s that far north, obviously that’s what

he’s thinking of—destroying my home.

 

ADVISOR 3

The latest report is that the snow at

Cevennes has fallen six feet deep.

 

VERCINGETORIX

Well then! We have until spring to strengthen

ourselves there, and protect its border, and

my people. For now they have nothing to fear.

 

CUT TO :

 

EXT. MOUNTAIN ROAD - HIGH NOON

 

The ROMAN ARMY is digging a passage through six feet of snow.

 

Obscured in thick snowfall, CAESAR (on horseback) watches with impatience.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited September 23, 2023 by Jeff Bernstein

[Jeff Bernstein]

CUT TO :

 

EXT. OUTSIDE VILLAGE (AVERNII) - AFTERNOON

 

A WAYFARER hears a RUMBLING NOISE growing in volume. He squints into the distance.

 

He sees, just ahead of the Cevennes Mountains, coming his way, only just visible through the falling snow, a tremendous line of ROMAN CAVALRY!

 

The WAYFARER’s eyes go wide.

 

VILLAGE STREETS

 

The WAYFARER rushes from PERSON to PERSON in warning as the ROMAN CAVALRY rush in and begin their effort of destruction.

 

OUTSIDE VILLAGE

 

CAESAR (on horseback), watching with satisfaction. A GENERAL (on horseback) gallops out of the melee and pulls up before him.

 

GENERAL

Sir! As you asked! Maximum terror!

 

CU CAESAR

 

Smiling with head high.

 

CUT TO :

 

CU VERCINGETORIX

 

Frowning with head bowed low.

 

WIDER

 

THE DESTROYED VILLAGE - NEXT MORNING

 

Smoking ruins. Corpses are being hauled away. VERCINGETORIX (on horseback) considers the destruction, thick-falling snow landing on him.

 

As he moves through the debris, more and more PEOPLE surround his horse.

 

MAN 1

Help us, King!

 

PEOPLE

Help us, help us!

 

MAN 2

The madman goes from village

 to village and no one stops him!

 

PEOPLE

Stop him! Stop him!

 

WOMAN 1

We’ll all going to die!

 

VERCINGETORIX gives her a sharp look—

 

The PEOPLE drop to their knees and begin praying to VERCINGETORIX. He looks down at them—and raises an eyebrow.

 

CUT TO :

 

EXT. ROMAN ARMY H.Q. - DAY

 

Birdsong. CAESAR, scowling, watching the day-to-day operations of his troops. TITUS and ADVISORS stand nearby.

 

ADVISOR 2

Sir, the madman’s come south.

 

ADVISOR 1

Vercingetorix has moved his headquarters

from the Bituriges to here—he’s in the

heart of the Avernii.

 

CAESAR

I knew it would be so. What young men do is react.

Keep up the pressure—Kill everything you see.

 

TITUS

What will you do?

 

CAESAR

I’m taking my legions northeast. I go to Vienne.

 

The ADVISORS nod in assent.

 

ADVISOR 1

Indeed. The Allobroges remain our allies.

 

TITUS

Apparently they don’t trust the

strength of this Vercingetorix.

 

CAESAR

Neither do I. This is my plan—I’m off to lure

that madman all over the Continent until he’s

too tired to lift his sword. Then Rome obliterates

him, and all who follow him.

 

No one says anything as they note the fever in CAESAR’s face.

 

CAESAR

(to whomever)

Send word to all the rest of our legions to concentrate

together here in the Avernii. Then wait for my orders.

 

CAESAR looks around him and sees his horse, its reins held by a HORSEMAN. CAESAR waves them over.

 

CAESAR

I go now—to give that young man his first and

last education. He shall be put on his knees.

And I’m marching over everything on my way.

 

CUT TO :

 

EXT. TOWN OF VELLAUNODUNUM - MORNING

 

CAESAR and ARMY destroying the town. TROOPS are bundling up the corn-supply and hauling it away. Other TROOPS lead farm animals, and carry plunder, and drag along hostages in chains.

 

EXT. WILDERNESS - DAY

 

CAESAR and ARMY marching, raising DUST and NOISE.

 

EXT. TOWN OF CENABUM (another of same name) - DUSK

 

Quiet. A pathway leads from a wooden bridge (over a river) to the main gates of the town. A BAND OF ROMAN TROOPS rush up with flaming torches in hand and light the bridge aflame, and then the gates.

 

REVERSE

 

CAESAR and ARMY watching.

 

FRONT GATES

 

As the TOWNSPEOPLE begin rushing out of the town, Caesar’s TROOPS begin cutting them down one by one.

 

LATER - DEAD OF NIGHT

 

Cenabum is up in flames. Caesar and army—already gone.

 

EXT. NOVIODUNUM - SUNRISE

 

CAESAR and ARMY getting into position around the town. CAESAR (on horseback) addresses a GENERAL :

 

CAESAR

(calm)

Send in the men to gather the weapons

and the animals. And the hostages.

 

GENERAL

Yes—

 

The GENERAL sees something over CAESAR’s shoulder.

 

CAESAR

What is it?

 

CAESAR, frowning, turns to see :

 

ENEMY HORSEMEN visible in the distance, coming their way!

 

CAESAR

(pleased)

Vercingetorix.

 

GENERAL

It’s the head of his army!

 

A CHEER erupts from behind CAESAR! He turns around to see :

 

TOWNSPEOPLE on the ramparts, CHEERING at the approaching army!

 

CAESAR, annoyed, hears a CREAKING, and narrows his eyes to see :

 

Courageous TOWNSPEOPLE closing the front gates!

 

INSIDE TOWN

 

SIX ROMAN TROOPS are caught by the PEOPLE and dragged along! They try to draw swords but are overcome by MOBS of TOWNSPEOPLE.

 

OUTSIDE TOWN

 

CAESAR looking this way and that—from the enemy, to the town, to the enemy.

 

We hear SCREAMS and SHOUTING coming from inside the town.

 

CAESAR, wheeling his horse this way and that, decides : he points to the ENEMY ARMY.

 

CAESAR

(vociferous)

SEND THE HORSES!

 

A BIT LATER

 

CAESAR watches his CAVALRY as they gallop thunderously past him.

 

BIT LATER

 

CAESAR peers into the distance, watching his CAVALRY head off the ENEMY ARMY.

 

His TROOPS also watch. Behind them, the TOWNSPEOPLE on the ramparts are watching, too.

 

CU CAESAR

 

Red-faced.

 

WIDE

 

The ROMAN CAVALRY engage the ENEMY ARMY!

 

CU CAESAR

 

Watching.

 

WIDE

 

ROME wins! The ENEMY ARMY turns tail and flees, leaving its dead and wounded behind.

 

CU CAESAR

 

Smirking with mad eyes.

 

CUT TO :

 

EXT. PROCESSION OF ENEMY ARMY - LATER (MORNING)

 

VERCINGETORIX (on horseback), moving in the midst of his long line of warriors. He hears NOISE up ahead—SOUNDS OF ALARM. He sees what is left of his HORSEMEN galloping back from the skirmish.

 

CU VERCINGETORIX

 

Narrows his eyes.

 

POV

 

Many of his HORSEMEN are wounded and bloodied.

 

CU VERCINGETORIX

 

Scowls, and raises a hand high.

 

WIDE

 

VARIOUS GENERALS along the line begin to shout :

 

GENERALS

Stop! Stop!

 

Vercingetorix’s ARMY is slowing to a halt.

 

CUT TO :

 

CU CAESAR

 

Watching.

 

POV

 

The hilly distance is desolate. No enemy second wave comes.

 

CAESAR

 

Satisfied. He turns around to see :

 

WIDE

 

A CROWD OF TOWNSPEOPLE kneeling in front of him.

 

TOWNSPEOPLE

We surrender! We surrender!

 

CAESAR sees, behind them, TWO TROOPS holding flaming torches at the front gates. They catch Caesar’s eye, and gesture at the gates with their torches—

 

CAESAR nods his head.

 

CUT TO :

 

INT. MEETING PLACE - NIGHT

 

VERCINGETORIX, shaking his head. He stands with ADVISORS before an ASSEMBLY OF WARRIOR LEADERS.

 

VERCINGETORIX

We must act differently! What we have done up to now

has not worked; and the intelligent and moral mind,

when it recognizes error, seeks not to hide it, but to fix it.

This is what men do. So hear me now. The fix I propose may

be no more pleasant than the problem. But the problem

is not going away, while the fix may be a temporary one.

This is what I say to you. We must starve them! We starve

Rome! If we weaken them in this way, they will make a

mistake, and wander into destruction. Hear me! Whichever

way Caesar moves, we burn all provisions along the route

ahead of them. We starve them. The law of private property

we must neglect for now, or one day we’ll come to find we

have no property. We torch everything in sight! If we have

to make Gaul one huge bonfire to immolate Caesar and Rome,

let it be me to bend the knee and light the flame. Any town in

their way we burn to the ground ourselves. Far better than to

let them carry off our food and supplies to strengthen them!

Have we a choice? Do you want your last dying thoughts to be

of your wives and children relinquished to slavery? No. We must

destroy what we destroy, in the hope of destroying Rome,

and saving ourselves. So what’ll it be?

 

CUT TO :

 

EXT. GAUL - EXTREME WIDE - DEAD OF NIGHT

 

Over two-dozen towns are burning. The rising smoke obscures all sight. . . .

 

 

 

 

 

Edited September 24, 2023 by Jeff Bernstein

[Jeff Bernstein]

CUT TO :

 

OPEN FIELD BESIDE TOWN OF AVARICUM - SAME NIGHT

 

CAESAR and ARMY at rest. Fireglow from the torched towns irradiate the sky an otherworldly orange. The dark air vibrates with snow flurries and the CRACKLE of flames.

 

CAESAR, off by himself. TITUS sits nearby. MESSENGER (on horseback) threads through the sleeping TROOPS and gallops up to TITUS and delivers the news.

 

TITUS comes to CAESAR, who looks at him, but says nothing.

 

TITUS

Vercingetorix—

 

CAESAR

Is near.

(beat)

I know.

 

TITUS looks quizzically at CAESAR, and fears to speak; so he retreats to where the THREE ADVISORS are gathered. Everyone is tired.

 

ADVISOR 1

Yes?

 

TITUS shakes his head.

 

ADVISOR 2

Three days. No one has eaten for three days.

 

ADVISOR 3

We must move.

 

TITUS nods.

 

ADVISOR 1

Why in the world . . .

(tapers off)

 

TITUS

What?

 

ADVISOR 1

(yawning)

The engineering . . .

 

He gestures to two towers, as yet unfinished, rising up out of the dark town.

 

TITUS

His words? “The beauty of the spot deserves attention.”

 

ADVISOR 2

What does that mean?

 

TITUS

It means Vercingetorix is on the other side of town.

 

ADVISOR 3

We starve while Caesar builds woodworks

for the madman to burn!

 

TITUS

We seem to be surrounded by fire.

 

ADVISOR 1

No. It only looks that way.

 

TITUS nods.

 

ADVISOR 1

Why hasn’t he burnt this one yet?

 

Gestures to the town.

 

TITUS

I don’t know.

 

ADVISOR 3

Why do we sit here?

 

TITUS regards CAESAR off on his own, contemplating the fireglow—and shakes his head.

 

CUT TO :

 

OTHER SIDE OF TOWN - SAME TIME

 

VERCINGETORIX, thinking. His warriors resting under the orange-fire sky. Here, too, the air vibrates with snow flurries and the CRACKLE of flames.

 

THREE ADVISORS arrive.

 

ADVISOR 1

You have summoned us.

 

VERCINGETORIX

We go now. But we go only with our weapons.

The wagons and all else we’ll hide in the woods.

(points)

 I’ll bring some men with me—up there.

 

The THREE ADVISORS follow Vercingetorix’s pointing finger to high ground overlooking this end of town.

 

VERCINGETORIX (cont’d.)

The rest will follow the road out.

I’ll catch up with you.

 

ADVISOR 1

What is it you do? Sneak attack?

 

VERCINGETORIX

No.

 

THE THREE ADVISORS look quizzically at each other.

 

LATER

 

In the crackling fireglow VERCINGETORIX and his MEN step carefully through marshland surrounding a gently-sloping hill. He leads them up onto the slope, where they hunker down, spears in hand, and wait.

 

GREY DAWN

 

The sky is full of smoke. CAESAR (on horseback) and ARMY march around the dead-quiet town of AVARICUM.

 

CAESAR goes forward with a COMPANY OF TROOPS to examine the abandoned campsite of Vercingetorix.

 

CU CAESAR

 

Looking around, he dismounts his horse; his boots crunch in the snow. He sees—

 

VERCINGETORIX, obscured by a thicket of thin-trunked trees on the hill-slope, his armed men beside him.

 

In the snow flurries CAESAR and VERCINGETORIX contemplate each other.

 

CAESAR lowers his eyes to the marsh. He doesn’t like what he sees. (If he charges the hill, the marsh will slow him and the enemy will spear him.)

 

Yet CAESAR steps forward.

 

He and VERCINGETORIX size each other up a second time—a staring contest.

 

Again CAESAR contemplates the marsh. Then he sighs, and withdraws without a second look.

 

CU CAESAR

 

Irritated.

 

CAESAR

Child.

 

CU VERCINGETORIX

 

Smiling; filled with a renewal of strength.

 

VERCINGETORIX

Old man!

 

FADE OUT

 

 

 

 

 

Edited September 24, 2023 by Jeff Bernstein

[Jeff Bernstein]

FADE IN

 

EXT. VILLA - (OUTSIDE TOWN OF GERGOVIA) - A SUMMER'S DAY

 

The home where we first met Vercingetorix. His uncle, GOBANNITIO, crosses the sumptuous grounds and stops at an overlook. He peers far down below at A TREMENDOUS SIGHT :

 

A wide river flowing through a grassy plain. Woodland all round.

 

On one side : CAESAR and ARMY (6 legions, 36,000 men).

 

On other side : VERCINGETORIX and WARRIORS.

 

The enemies face each other—too close for comfort.

 

Between them, a bridge spanning the river has been destroyed.

 

GOBANNITIO

(o.s., muttering)

My son . . . my son!

 

GAUL SIDE - BY RIVER

 

GAUL SCOUTS patrol the rushes on the banks.

 

ROMAN SIDE - IN WOODS

 

CAESAR, leaning against boulder, studying map in hand. TITUS and THREE ADVISORS stand nearby.

 

CU MAP

 

of river (Allier), with markings of the locations of bridges—each crossed out.

 

With his pen CAESAR follows the river around a bend, then circles, in red, a crossed-out bridge indicated downstream.

 

CUT TO :

 

CROSSED-OUT BRIDGE - SUNSET

 

Smashed to bits.

 

WIDE

 

ROMAN ENGINEERS sneak along a hilltop, carrying wood planks and sacks (of tools). They conceal themselves in trees and bushes. They peer out :

 

POV

 

The area around the ruined bridge is desolate.

 

ROMAN ENGINEERS

 

Looking around.

 

POV

 

The bend in the river—the Gaul Army is hidden behind it.

 

ROMAN ENGINEERS

 

Wait.

 

LATER - DEAD OF NIGHT

 

ENGINEERS, waiting.

 

RIVER

 

FOUR ROMAN TROOPS emerge from the water and scramble up the other side—quietly. Dripping wet, they conceal themselves behind boulders and bushes.

 

LATER

 

Crickets. Full moon. TWO GAUL SCOUTS come into view, walking on patrol along the riverside.

 

ROMAN ENGINEERS

 

Watching from their hilltop woodland hiding spot.  

 

POV

 

The hidden ROMAN TROOPS show themselves. Quickly, quietly, they cut the throats of the GAUL SCOUTS.

 

ENGINEERS

 

Rush out of hiding.

 

WIDE

 

The ROMAN ENGINEERS rush down the hill toward the river.

 

AT BRIDGE

 

The ENGINEERS begin to repair the woodwork.

 

WIDE

 

Behind them we see the woodland on the hill.

 

IN WOODS

 

Two ROMAN LEGIONS (12,000 men) are hidden in the trees, waiting.

 

AT BRIDGE

 

The ENGINEERS are rebuilding its upper part (the lower part—the piles—are still intact).

 

LATER

 

From the bridge a ROMAN MESSENGER runs up the hill and rushes into the woods.

 

IN WOODS

 

where the TWO ROMAN LEGIONS wait. Out of breath, the MESSENGER appears before a GENERAL, and nods. The GENERAL turns to his men—

 

WIDE

 

The TWO ROMAN LEGIONS march out of the trees and down to the riverside and begin streaming over the bridge.

 

MEANWHILE - IN THE GAUL ARMY

 

VERCINGETORIX, slumbering with his head on a rock. The glow of a flaming torch washes over him—It is ADVISOR 1.

 

VERCINGETORIX opens his eyes. ADVISOR 1 leans down and whispers in his ear.

 

CUT TO :

 

ROMAN SIDE - SUNRISE

 

Birdsong. The ROMAN ARMY, resting.

 

AT CAESAR’S TENT

 

CAESAR, and TITUS and ADVISORS, look out across the river to see :

 

POV

 

A vacant field! The last stragglers of the ARMY OF GAULS are marching off!

 

CAESAR

 

Frowns.

 

POV

 

He sees his two LEGIONS across the river, marching into view from around the bend—too late!

 

CAESAR

 

Scowling.

 

CUT TO :

 

EXT. REPAIRED BRIDGE - MORNING

 

CAESAR (on horseback) leading ROMAN ARMY over to the other side.

 

EXT. VILLA - MORNING

 

GOBANNITIO rushes to another area of his grounds to watch.

 

POV

 

Down below, the ROMAN ARMY marches around the base of the incline.  

 

CUT TO :

 

EXT. TOWN OF GERGOVIA - DAY

 

Situated on steep highlands. Up in the sky the GAUL WARRIORS occupy every available space along the ridgeline, like perched birds.

 

CU ROMAN ARMY

 

Staring up at them.

 

CU CAESAR

 

Peering up at the enemy with venom in his eyes.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited September 25, 2023 by Jeff Bernstein

[Jeff Bernstein]

ON TOWN

 

The ENEMY, with TERRIFYING WAR CRIES, begins showering the ROMAN ARMY with arrows and stones.

 

ON ROMANS

 

The TROOPS are disrupted by the incoming missiles. They begin SHOUTING and spreading out.

 

CAESAR, wheeling this way and that on horseback :

 

CAESAR

(screaming)

DIG IN!!!

 

Nearby, TITUS and GENERALS look dubious.

 

TITUS

Yes, sir!

 

GENERALS

(frowning)

Yes, sir. Yes, sir.

 

The GENERALS gallop off.

 

CAESAR scans the hilly environment as the missiles fall around him like snow. Behind him he sees :

 

THE GREEN HILL

 

A high spot, not far away, facing the town of Gergovia.

 

REVERSE

 

Around CAESAR, incoming missiles batter army and earth. We hear SCREAMS—ROMAN TROOPS, struck by arrows and stones!

 

CAESAR

(pointing)

See there!

 

TITUS

Yes, sir.

 

THE GREEN HILL - CLOSER

 

A small enemy garrison on the summit.

 

REVERSE

 

CAESAR

If we take that hill and secure our position,

we’ll cut them off from the river—and their

water supply.

 

TITUS

Yes, sir.

 

CAESAR

Send the scouts!

 

TITUS

Yes, sir!

 

TITUS wheels his horse round.

 

CUT TO :

 

LATER - HIGH NOON

 

Roman artillery machines (“tormentum”—wooden catapults?) are flinging stones up at the town, while a thick shower of missiles rains down from above. Meanwhile, the ROMAN ARMY is pitching camp.

 

CUT TO :

 

GREEN HILL - DUSK

 

CAESAR and his STRIKE FORCE have the hill completely surrounded.

 

We see, behind them, the lofty town of Gergovia and the density of the incoming-outgoing missiles.

 

CAESAR shouts an order. His ROMANS begin scaling the hill—

 

Above them, at the garrison, the ENEMY begins showering CAESAR and MEN with arrows and stones.

 

The helmeted TROOPS raise their shields and continue their implacable climb up all sides of the hill.

 

ENEMY WARRIORS begin rushing down from the garrison!

 

CAESAR

(screaming)

KEEP GOING!!!

 

ENGAGEMENT on the hill all round!

 

CUT TO :

 

GREEN HILL - NIGHT

 

Under starlight the battle continues in darkness. We can’t see clearly but we HEAR THE FURY.

 

CUT TO :

 

GERGOVIA - MORNING

 

SOUND of ROMAN ARMY CHEERING!

 

High up in their stronghold the ENEMY looks out across the way—over the wide Roman camp and its cheering troops—to the GREEN HILL. Everyone sees the ROMAN STANDARDS fluttering upright on the summit.

 

Piqued, the ENEMY resumes its barrage of arrows and stones on the Roman camp—first only here and there, one by one, then in a thick shower. The Romans answer with catapulted stones.

 

CUT TO :

 

GREEN HILL - SUMMIT

 

CAESAR (on horseback), dishevelled and bloodied, guiding his horse among enemy corpses. He looks up when he hears the hostilities resume.

 

POV

 

Across the short distance is Gergovia. The missiles are flying every which way.

 

CLOSE ON GERGOVIA

 

VERCINGETORIX steps up to the battlements. He stares out at the GREEN HILL and narrows his eyes—

 

CLOSE ON CAESAR

 

Looking back toward Gergovia.

 

VERCINGETORIX

 

Eyes narrowed—then they go wide and he ducks out of the way as an incoming stone smashes into the wall, raining dust onto him. In reaction he looks psychotic. And then he sees—

 

WIDE

 

Here and there on hills surrounding high Gergovia, ROMAN TROOPS begin appearing!

 

VERCINGETORIX

(pointing every which way)

Send out men, now!

 

ON CAESAR (GREEN HILL)

 

Smiling.

 

POV

 

Sees ENEMY WARRIORS scaling hills here and there to reach the ROMAN TROOP positions.

 

ON CAESAR

 

CAESAR

TO THE TOWN! NOW!!!

 

 

 

 

Edited September 25, 2023 by Jeff Bernstein

[Jeff Bernstein]

CUT TO :

 

ROMAN CAMP

 

TROOPS begin their assault on the hill of Gergovia!

 

GERGOVIA HILL - DETAILED

 

Halfway up, a wall of stones six feet high runs round the hill—THE STONE WALL.

 

Above that, the GAUL WARRIORS begin massing on the slopes all the way up to the town.

 

ROMAN TROOPS

 

Rushing up to THE STONE WALL.

 

THE GAUL SIDE

 

WARRIORS watch—

 

THE STONE WALL is being dismantled from the other side!

 

Wide-eyed, they brandish their spears and swords and knives with insistent intent.

 

VERCINGETORIX

 

Looking down from the summit of Gergovia.

 

CAESAR

 

on horseback galloping into camp—slows down to see :

 

GERGOVIA HILL - HIGH NOON

 

The ROMAN ARMY spread around the lower half, the GAUL WARRIORS pressing down from above. Between the two, THE STONE WALL.

 

ON CAESAR

 

His Tenth Legion marching up behind him.

 

CAESAR

COME ON!!!

 

He presses forward—

 

STONE WALL - GAUL SIDE

 

The ROMANS BREAK THROUGH!

 

WIDE

 

BATTLE ON GERGOVIA HILL!

 

CUT TO :

 

CLOSE ON GERGOVIA TOWN

 

From the summit of the hill come SCREAMS and CRIES from townspeople inside the walled town.

 

INSIDE TOWN

 

TOWNSPEOPLE in a PANIC!

 

TOWNSPEOPLE

THEY’RE COMING! THEY’RE COMING!

 

In a tumult of terror TOWNSPEOPLE begin leaping off the battlements to their suicidal death.

 

WOMEN

Spare us! Spare us!

 

Leaning over the battlements WOMEN throw garments and jewellery down into the cloudy fighting.

 

WOMEN

Save us! Save us!

 

BOTTOM OF HILL

 

GAUL CAVALRY gallop into view—They engage the rearguard of the TROOPS!

 

CAESAR

 

Amid the fighting on the slopes, he sees the enemy hemming them in down below.

 

He whirls round to see—

 

Some of his TROOPS have reached the town and are beginning to scale its walls.

 

He whirls round again to view the fighting down below—

 

then grabs an AIDE—

 

CAESAR

Get word to Titus!

(pointing)

Tell him to come round

the foot on the right! GO!

 

The AIDE runs off.

 

CAESAR whirls round and sees a MAN looking down from above, from the walls, a silhouetted shape against the sky.

 

CLOSE ON SHAPE

 

It is Vercingetorix, watching.

 

CAESAR, scowling, turns away and in the same movement comes face to face with a GAUL KING, TEUTOMATUS.

 

CAESAR

Ah! Friend Teutomatus, a king of the Gauls!

 

CAESAR drops his sword and grabs TEUTOMATUS and shoves him to the ground. Then he speaks into his ear :

 

CAESAR

You can live.

 

CAESAR reaches for his sword and lops off TEUTOMATUS’s ear.

 

At the SOUND of his SCREAMING—

 

CUT TO :

 

WIDE

 

The battle on Gergovia Hill continues.

 

“The violent, consuming, hand-to-hand battle raged, the enemy depending on position and numbers, and us, to confidence in our virtue . . .” (7.50)

 

 

 

 

Edited September 25, 2023 by Jeff Bernstein

[Jeff Bernstein]

CU CAESAR

 

Smiling (amid the fighting), seeing :

 

DOWN BELOW

 

The REINFORCEMENTS marching around the foot of the hill from the right.

 

CAESAR

 

Broadly smiling now, he turns to see—

 

The TROOPS scaling the town wall (here and there) are suddenly all yanked up onto the parapet!

 

CAESAR watches.

 

The WARRIORS kill the TROOPS, then toss their bodies off the wall. The bloody bodies pass over the head of—

 

CAESAR

 

Scowling. Then his eyes focus on—

 

The DARK SHAPE standing on the BATTLEMENTS above him. It steps out of view.

 

CAESAR baring his teeth. TITUS appears at his side, bloody and dishevelled.

 

TITUS

Sir?

 

CAESAR

Let me just get to the gate.

 

TITUS

What the hell for?

 

But CAESAR is already moving.

 

TITUS

God dammit!

 

TITUS follows. Threading through the hand-to-hand fighting CAESAR and TITUS—and the TROOPS with them—fight their way up to

 

THE FRONT GATES OF GERGOVIA

 

Some dead ROMANS lay before the closed gates.

 

ENEMY WARRIORS surge in from the left and from the right—

 

The TROOPS rush forward, and push CAESAR back behind them—

 

TITUS

Go back—!

 

TROOPS

Go back! Go back!

 

As TITUS says this he is overcome by the ENEMY—

 

CAESAR falls back, steps back, sees—

 

TITUS and TROOPS caught inside ring of WARRIORS, fighting for their lives.

 

TITUS

(fighting)

GO BACK! . . . GO BACK! . . . GO BACK!

 

CAESAR watches, steps back.

 

TITUS, bloodied, wounded, fights on.

 

TITUS
GO!

 

WIDE ON GERGOVIA HILL

 

The fighting continues.

 

FADE OUT

 

BLACKNESS

 

CAESAR

(v.o.)

That day, we lost seven hundred Roman soldiers.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited September 25, 2023 by Jeff Bernstein

[Jeff Bernstein]

CUT TO :

 

INT. TENT - DAY

 

CAESAR, thinking. He stands, tidies his garments, squares his shoulders, and steps out of the tent—

 

EXT. LEVEL PLAIN BETWEEN THE TWO HILLS - DAYTIME

 

The TWO ARMIES are gathered—facing each other—at rest.

 

Amid the Gauls stands the one-eared chieftain, TEUTOMATUS, watching with conflicting emotions.

 

In the narrow gap between the two armies is VERCINGETORIX on his knees. TWO ROMAN SOLDIERS flank him, one with a hand on his shoulder.

 

They wait for CAESAR

 

who walks through his ORDERED LINES OF TROOPS. As he goes along, each line he passes joins in the CHEER until he reaches the front and the CHEER IS DEAFENING.

 

He looks down at VERCINGETORIX.

 

VERCINGETORIX looks up at CAESAR.

 

VERCINGETORIX

I fought not for any personal glory, but because

I had no choice but to do it. If they will reject

my offering, they do. If they want to surrender,

let them. Let them follow what happiness they

seek. Now—you kill me, or, if it satisfies you

better, you bring me to Rome—alive.

 

CU CAESAR

 

Contemplates, and raises an eyebrow.

 

CAESAR

Tell them to throw down their arms. At my feet.

 

VERCINGETORIX doesn’t reply.

 

At the front of the Gaul Army, a WARRIOR drops his sword. This catches on—until it’s one wave of divestment running back along the army, creating a DEAFENING SOUND to match the Romans!

 

ON CAESAR

 

Smiles. Nods.

 

VERCINGETORIX

 

scowling.

 

WIDE

 

Between the two armies, CAESAR looks down on VERCINGETORIX.

 

CAESAR

(v.o.)

After winding up this affair I left for the Aedui

region and reinstalled the State. There I was met

by ambassadors from the Avernii, who promised

to follow my Law. I restored to the Aedui and

the Arvernii twenty thousand prisoners.

(beat)

I sent my legions to their winter quarters. I have

 decided to winter at Bibracte, in the centre of Gaul.

 

CUT TO :

 

Seawaves.

 

GHOST TITUS

(v.o.)

Message from Rome : To celebrate the ongoing

achievements of Caesar’s campaigns, the Senate

decrees a public holiday for twenty days.

 

FADE OUT

 

The end.

 

               25 September 2023

[Jeff Bernstein]

The Oppenheimer (2023) phenomenon

 

Oppenheimer meeting Einstein in view of Strauss.

 

“The long shot is a remarkable instrument—Mizoguchi developed it to perfection. . . . [T]he long shot demands tremendous density and a high degree of awareness. It must never be used at random.”

 

Bergman on Bergman (NY : Simon and Schuster, 1986), 109.

[Jeff Bernstein]

Colossally Rare Ultra-Wide Phenomenon?

 

Please consider the fourth shot of The Master (2012) : 1:54.

 

In super-extreme wide (Kowa 19mm), Freddy hacks at a coconut. Some of its pith soars onto the lens and sticks there, a blurry blot.

 

A physical artifact—on super-exteme wide?

 

And—why?

 

American Cinematographer devotes an entire paragraph to this shot—and even describes details of its geometry—but there’s not a word on the phenomenon mentioned here.

 

Has anyone printed anything about this phenomenon anywhere since 2012?

 

Oppenheimer : “If we can get published, maybe one day an astronomer finds one. But all I have is theory. Which can’t impact people’s lives.” (25)

 

 

 

 

 

Edited September 28, 2023 by Jeff Bernstein

[Jeff Bernstein]

The Oppenheimer (2023) phenomenon

 

The sound of feet stamping—sounding also like a moving train—haunts the character Oppenheimer throughout the film.

 

Some significations of this sound effect :

(a) An aural cue of the character’s criticism of life (107, 109, 139)

(b) Haunted by horrors of WW2 (e.g., “It’s not your people they’re herding into camps! It’s mine!” (42))

(c) A bad conscience (“I feel that I have blood on my hands.” (143; 149, Bird and Sherwin, American Prometheus, ch. 24))

(d) Implacable oncoming Fate (109, 197)

(e) Fear of (a Last) Judgment (89, 149, 194)

(f) Death (89, 109)

(g) Tense psychological pressure (187–189)

(h) &etc.

 

Earlier Scroob connected this sound effect with two possible inspirations : The Marriage of Maria Braun (1978) and Heaven’s Gate (1980).

 

A third predecessor to this psychological sound effect of ominous unseen footfalls haunting a character?

 

Scorsese’s Last Temptation of Christ (1988), 13:11–13:51. “Who’s that? Who’s following me? Is that you?”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited September 28, 2023 by Jeff Bernstein

[Jeff Bernstein]

Harmonic : Last Temptation of Christ (1988) and Oppenheimer

 

0.

 

Oppenheimer :

Manmade self-destruction

yet

“The atomic bomb will be a terrible revelation of divine power.” (117)

 

1.

 

The speaking voice of the two—Last Temptation, Oppenheimer—is predominantly gentle.

 

2.

 

The apple and the seeds. (47:52) (1:00:30)

 

Oppenheimer : from poison apple to atomic bomb.

 

3.

 

Kazantzakis—“God is a conflagration . . .” (XXVI) / “God became angry, hurled fire, stamped on the earth. . . . ” (XVII)

 

“I’m here to set fire to the world. . . . I’m going to baptize everybody—with fire!” (1:37:52)

 

“I’m here to tear down everything around you. And you know what I’m going to replace it with? Something new.” (1:16:04)

 

Oppenheimer : “Albert? When I came to you with those calculations? . . . We were worried that we’d start a chain reaction that would destroy the entire world. . . . I believe we did.” (197)

 

“There will be a new ark riding on that fire!” (52:40)

 

Oppenheimer : “SILENT LIGHT. . . . INSTANT DAYLIGHT.” (132)

 

4.

 

Serpent : “What arrogance to think you can save the world. . . . Aren’t your own sins enough for you?” (56:33)

 

Oppenheimer : Hour 3—the effort of “Arms talks” (77) & “He needed . . . to suffer, and take the sins of the world on his shoulders.” (188)

 

5.

 

“If you want to speak to him, then you’ll have to go to the desert.” (53:14) (cf. XVII—“I shall go speak to God in the desert.”)

 

Oppenheimer : “. . . hundreds of miles of desert.” (54) / “I know this desert.” (125) / and seven other references

 

6.

 

“Be careful. God isn’t alone out there.” (53:30)

cf. XVII : “The desert is full of sweet voices—and death.”

and

The appearance of the serpents. (28:30) (55:32)

 

Oppenheimer : “You can lift the rock without being ready for the snake that’s revealed. Now, it seems, you’re ready.” (10)

 

7.

 

Last Temptation : standing at the projecting hill in the desert (the tower)—danger.

 

Speaking of an existential projecting (e.g., cinema-screen-white as emblematic of Oblivion) :

 

Oppenheimer : “SILENT LIGHT. . . . INSTANT DAYLIGHT.” (132) and (140) and (190)

 

cf.

Welles, Citizen Kane (1941), prototype : dying filament of burning bulb = Susan’s suicide attempt, 1:35:21–1:35:25

Kurosawa, Throne of Blood (1957), 20:09–22:45

Hitchcock, Vertigo (1958), 1:25:18

Fellini, 8 ½ (1963), 2:35  

Bergman, Persona (1966), opening to 7:17

Bertolucci, The Conformist (1970), 23:04–25:40; conjunction of white rooms (persistence of memory) : 30:00 & 1:49:49; assassination in the snow (1:33:58)

Lynch, Eraserhead (1977), 1:26:22–1:26:50

Scorsese, Last Temptation of Christ (1987), 1:29:14 (with M.B. d.z.) / 1:30:37

EWS : 14:14; 17:30; 1:58:00; 2:07:36

Refn, Neon Demon (2016), 35:18–35:46

etc.

 

“SILENT LIGHT. . . . INSTANT DAYLIGHT”———The white light of a projector bulb?

 

8.

 

“God demands anger.” “Anger? But we’re all brothers.” (52:25)

 

cf. XVII—“Isn’t love enough?” “No. The tree is rotten. . . . One of man’s greatest obligations is anger.” “Anger? Aren’t we all brothers?” “Brothers? Do you think love is the way to God . . . ?”

 

Kitty : “You need to stop playing the martyr.” (183)

 

Strauss : “He needed to be a martyr. To suffer, and take the sins of the world on his shoulders . . .”

 

9.

 

“Take this message to everyone.” (1:01:27)

 

Oppenheimer : “Isn’t anyone ever going to tell the truth about what’s happening here?” (171)

 

Yes, the storyteller—who shows us the truth of suffering human beings.

 

10.

Contradiction

 

“I’m the saint of blasphemy.” (1:27:20) (cf. XXV–“I am Saint Blasphemer, and don’t forget it.”)

 

i.e., He is Everything at Once.

 

blast / blaspheme

 

11.

 

Magdalene : “You’re the same as all the others, only you can’t admit it.” (21:08)

Jean Tatlock : “You had them convinced you’re more complicated than you really are.” (27)

Alma : “I think you’re only acting strong.” (23:21)

 

12.

 

“You’re filled with hate! God won’t help you!” (1:28:32)

 

Does this offer a clue into the character Oppenheimer’s outward passivity in Hour 3?

 

13.

 

“I’ll tell you what He wants. He wants to push me over!” (26:30)

 

Oppenheimer : Creator damned by Creation That Saved.

 

14.

The Creator : Sharp Eye for Details

 

“When I see an ant, when I look at his shiny black eye . . . I see the face of God.” (31:31)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited September 28, 2023 by Jeff Bernstein

[Jeff Bernstein]

The Oppenheimer (2023) phenomenon

 

Theory : The character Oppenheimer occupies the frame with a window in at least fifty percent of his shots.

 

Bresson, Journal d’un curé de campagne (1951) : In the first eleven shots of the principal (up to 7:14), he occupies the frame with a window in six of those shots. This visual motif continues all the way to the final frame.  

 

Theory : No coincidence.

 

 

 

 

Edited September 29, 2023 by Jeff Bernstein

[Jeff Bernstein]

The Oppenheimer (2023) phenomenon

 

Responsible commentary on the Oppenheimer screenplay is available above in this thread, but Scrooby believes he cannot rest on certain subjects until the Oppenheimer (2023) phenomenon begins to lessen in intensity (e.g., March 2024)—because someone has to do it.

 

It must be recognized by all reasonable people that the script for Oppenheimer is remarkably literate, and in a number of ways. That statement is no opinion, no value judgment—it’s simple observance of technics, just as a scientist compiles data from visual study.

 

First and foremost for now—The sustained elegance of the dialogue from first page to last is a triumph of Hollywood screenwriting.

 

Any screenwriter unable to recognize the significance and magnitude of the Oppenheimer screenplay should return to Dayton, Ohio, with Joe Gillis—because the triumph of Oppenheimer is not only a triumph for Hollywood but a triumph of Hollywood.

 

Oppenheimer is a film that should encourage every human being in the Industry : “This is what we can do!” “We’re a class act through and through!” “We can produce a work of literature—the presentation of character—to compete with any novel or play anywhere!” The Industry can say : “We in America have just told the greatest story on earth—for now.”

 

 

 

 

 

Edited September 30, 2023 by Jeff Bernstein

[Jeff Bernstein]

Windows

 

The lens is claustrophobia and questioning. One storytelling technique to mitigate claustrophobia and generate thematic resonance is to feature windows in the frame. Windows extend the frame’s spatial coordinates into a wider space (whether distinct or not), thereby offering the Spectator’s Unconscious a breath of visual air.

 

Examples of thematic uses :

 

Windows convey the otherworldly openness of a character’s mind.

 

Windows, as a transit into another space, convey the direction of questioning—a step from a “What is?” to a “It may be . . .”

 

Journal d’un curé de campagne (1951) : When the Protagonist inhabits frames without windows, often he is especially suffering—emotionally, physically (e.g., 17:55–20:00; 46:16–52:35; 1:44:49–1:51:40).

 

In two set-ups during 1:44:49–1:51:40, a window is suggested, but not made manifest, thereby intensifying thematic vibes of claustrophobia (1:44:18; 1:48:54).

 

The Protagonist’s final frame might be called a two-shot : Principal and Window.

 

The window is Characterological Interiority and Transit of Otherworldliness.

 

Oppenheimer at times substitutes blackboards for windows : same general shape in the frame’s geometry, evoking rich thematic resonance.

 

Same with Journal d’un curé de campagne. Shot 2 of Principal (2:30) : Caught behind the black bars of an iron gate, he proceeds toward a building with two bricked-over windows (the window tax—“daylight robbery”). Only his second shot, and the Protagonist is already entering deeper into confinement and claustrophobia.

 

Same again with Oppenheimer. In the scene of the “Chevalier incident”, the window occupying the frame with the character Oppenheimer is covered over (“That would be treason”, 65).

 

See also Bergman’s Winter Light (1963).

 

“SILENT LIGHT. . . . INSTANT DAYLIGHT”

 

 

 

 

 

Edited September 30, 2023 by Jeff Bernstein