Props

Object: Flowers

Scene(s): This prop appears in the domestic violence scenes, in particular the scenes that show Fraser pushing Dalia against the door when she returns home from work.

Reason: The reason that we chose this prop to appear in the scenes was because we felt that they are a good representation of the relationship that the couple share. The rich red colour that the flowers hold shows that there was once love there and the shape of the flowers represented the closure of that love and how it no longer blossoms. The transparent vase connotes the emptiness that both the relationship and the house itself has.

Object: Cigar and ashtray. 

Scene(s): This object is featured in the scene when Dalia returns home from work, Fraser is smoking the cigar as Dalia enters the door.

Reason: The main focus of the scene is the cigar being smoked by Fraser. Cigars can symbolize many things, in this case masculinity and Fraser's tough nature. Furthermore, cigars are quite a dated way of smoking, in our video, the object ties in with Fraser's dated views on how women should be treated. A long time ago it may be just acceptable to hit a women as it was a man, women held a lot of insignificance and this has been brought back in Fraser's household.

Object: Torch

Scene(s): The torch was used in the domestic violence scenes, in particular the scenes where Dalia returns home and Fraser begins to start acting violent towards her.

Reason: The reason behind using the torch was that there was not enough natural light displayed from outside or enough ambient lighting provided by the house so a torch was needed to brighten the scenes a little.

Analysis points: The torch, along with the ambient lighting provided by the house gave a red glow to the scenes. We felt that this was effective because it gave a mysterious and unconventional feel to the scenes as well as representing a sense of danger amongst the household.

Object: China Doll

Scene(s): The china doll is used in the first scene after Laura brings herself back into reality. It's a close up shot, the camera zooms into the face of the doll until it becomes unfocused.

Reason: We decided to use the china doll to represent the title of the song and the use of china. It adds to the fantasy theme of the video as this object is something that children would/will play with as a toy. It brings back memories to both Dalia and the audience of childhood. To Dalia, this was a happier time, she keeps the doll as a reminder.

Updates

Object: Flower
Scene(s): This flower was used in the fantasy land scenes that were shot at the UEA Earlham park. In particular the scene of Dalia picking the flower up, Dalia skipping with the flower in her hand and Dalia pushing the flower through the water.
Reason: This was an un-intended prop of ours. We saw it at our shooting location and thought it go well with the theme of the scenes and the yellow would contrast well with Dalia's pink dress. We also felt that the openness of the flower well represented Dalia's new found free spirit.