The masterful movie portraying "acts of genocide" in Rwanda used many elements in order to educate the audience.
Paul and his wife are easily distinguishable as a Hutu-Tutsi couple through skin color. In the beginning, a reporter asked random people how to distinguish between the two groups, and skin color was a differentiating characteristic. In this picture, a sense of worry yet curiosity can be seen on Paul's and Tatiana's faces. They understand that something horrible will take place because of their neighbors being beaten outside. In addition, Paul being at the front of this picture shows that he is the dominating figure in the household and later in the movie when he takes the position of leader. His sense of leadership and the community's feelings of fear bring the community to Paul.
As they leave their hometown, Paul's family understands the cruel situation at hand. The small community or family that Paul has is very close to each other and strengthened by the presence of the children. The image's capture of the family's strong embrace connotes love and safety that binds the family together. This sense of caring is also given to the Hutu refugees when at the hotel.
In this image, Paul is set apart from the rest of the community and has children in his arms. He is starting to establish his leadership and has a sense of entitlement in order to protect everyone. The scariness of the situation is constantly being embedded within the audience's mind. Every person in this picture has a look of fear on their faces, and the sense of war and violence is heightened with a soldier in the background.
When the community of refugees have sought shelter in the hotel, they form a stronger bond together because of the situation. No matter where they came from or their differences in beliefs or religion (seen in the picture), they stand together. After the UN help forces left, their bond and feelings of hopelessness bring them together, which are accompanied with rain--a symbol of sadness. They stand with the same despairing look on their faces, and Paul as their leader stands in the forefront. His professional business attire makes him stand out from the rest of his peers and makes him easily distinguishable as the leader.
No matter what happens, the people still have hope, especially Paul. Even with rain, his skin glistens, and he removes his sense of sadness. Paul and a child are the focus of this image, with the people blurred in the background. Although drenched from the rain, Paul will seek a way to help the people, especially the children, who are symbols of hope and prosperity of the future. Thus, the movie incorporates facial expressions, clothing, and body positions to prove a point.
Works Cited
All Images except movie poster:
"Hotel Rwanda." Photo. Thecia.com. N/A. 25 Oct. 2009.
Movie poster:
"Hotel Rwanda." Photo. Dvdloc8.com. Apr. 2009. 25 Oct. 2009.
