The purpose of most feature films is to manipulate viewers to react to the characters and themes presented in a specific manner.
The Hurricane, a biographical film directed by Norman Jewison, depicts the treatment of black people during the Civil Rights Movement in 1960’s America. The film showcases Rubin ‘Hurricane’ Carter as an example of the discrimination faced by black individuals during this era. Through the use of SWAT codes, the director aims to engage viewers emotionally with the injustice endured by Rubin Carter and his unwavering determination to prove his innocence. Additionally, symbolic codes are ingeniously woven into the film to visually impact viewers and elicit specific responses.
During his 90-day solitary confinement in jail, Rubin Carter, the famous boxer, began to cry in his small, dark cell. This emotive scene highlights how even a resilient figure like Carter can be moved to tears by the unjust sentencing for three murders he did not commit. At his first fair trial, when the Hurricane encountered Della Pesca, a racist white cop and his sworn enemy, he greeted him with a smug, superior smile. This non-verbal communication served as a powerful symbol of the boxer’s confidence in ultimately proving his innocence and disheartening the racist Della Pesca, who was instrumental in wrongly convicting him.
During Rubin Carter’s initial court appearance, the judge stated, “You will receive a complete and impartial trial.” After hearing this, the boxer glanced at the Jury Table, where he noticed only white Jurors. This evidence demonstrates that the main character did not receive a fair trial.
Jewison utilized various methods to examine the impact that justice had on Rubin Carter in the film The Hurricane. One important element incorporated into Jewison’s approach was the use of audio codes, such as sound effects, background music, and dialogues. These codes allow the viewer to truly experience the emotions conveyed in each scene.
Rubin Carter’s experience in solitary confinement brought him to tears, accompanied by somber piano music. This musical choice effectively evokes the emotions felt by the vulnerable boxer. Unlike his fellow inmates, Carter was unique, often staying awake while they slept. As he reflected on his life behind bars, he candidly stated, “When the others sleep, I’m awake.”
When everyone else is awake, I sleep. This quote signifies that the main character was a rebel, fighting for freedom and to prove their innocence. The boxer was pronounced guilty by a jury of white individuals, causing Mea Thelma, Rubin Carter’s wife, to scream in despair.
The viewers are made to feel that Rubin was given the wrong verdict and sympathize with the Carters due to Mrs. Carter’s tears. As the judge pronounced a life sentence, the background music featuring violin crescendo demonstrated the turning point in the boxer’s life and added to the film’s rising action.
The director employed various techniques to demonstrate the unjust treatment of Rubin Carter, using audiocodes, lighting, camera shots, and camera angles in the film. Particularly, extreme close ups on Carter’s face were utilized during his time in jail to portray the impact of solitary confinement on him, effectively presenting the boxer’s struggle with split personality.
The boxer’s facial expressions conveyed his sense of depression and being unjustly convicted. This feeling was further emphasized by the dark background lighting and a dim light that flashed onto him. This lighting technique helped create a mood filled with despair and a sense of suffering for the defeated boxer. Additionally, the boxing matches were presented in black and white.
The utilization of these technical codes by Jewison in this film serves to create the impression that the boxing match was an authentic occurrence in the past and potentially a distant recollection for Carter, who is presently incarcerated.
