Mother! | Key Shots

In this section of our Colossus Movie Guide for Mother!, we look at the key shots that help us understand the film. 

Cast

• Jennifer Lawrence – Mother
• Javier Bardem – Him
• Ed Harris – Man
• Michelle Pfeiffer – Woman
• Brian Gleeson – Younger Brother
• Domhnall Gleeson – Oldest Son
• Jovan Adepo – Cupbearer
• Emily Hampshire – Fool
• Chris Gartin – Adulterer
• Stephen McHattie – Zealot
• Kristen Wiig – Herald
• Amanda Warren – Healer
• Laurence Leboeuf – Maiden
• Sarah-Jeanne Labrosse – Foremother
• Darren Aronofsky – Writer and director

Key shots of Mother!

The Opening Shot

The opening shot of Mother! shows a close-up of a woman’s face in flames, followed by a burned-down house being restored. This shot is crucial for setting up the cyclical nature of the film and the themes of creation, destruction, and rebirth. Aesthetically, the shot is striking with its contrast between the fiery destruction and the calm, serene restoration that follows, emphasizing the duality of creation and destruction.

Mother Listening to the House

In one scene, Mother presses her ear to the wall, and the camera moves closer to reveal the pulsating heart inside the house. This shot underscores Mother’s connection to the house (Earth) and the living essence of the planet. The shot is visually arresting, with the camera’s movement and the vivid colors of the pulsating heart creating a sense of tension and mystery.

The Spiral Staircase

In several scenes, the camera captures the spiral staircase that connects the different floors of the house. The staircase is a recurring visual motif that serves as a symbol of the house’s structure and the cyclical nature of the story. The shot is aesthetically pleasing due to the symmetry and elegant curves of the staircase, which create a visually satisfying composition.

The Baby’s Sacrifice

In this disturbing and memorable shot, Mother helplessly watches as the crowd lifts her baby above their heads, and the infant’s neck is accidentally snapped. The shot captures the chaos and frenzy of the crowd, illustrating the destructive force of humanity and the vulnerability of creation. The high angle shot and the dramatic lighting emphasize the horror and emotional intensity of the scene.

The Final Shot

The film’s final shot shows a new woman waking up in the restored house after the destruction of the previous world. This shot is essential for understanding the cyclical nature of the film and the themes of rebirth and renewal. Visually, the shot mirrors the opening shot, creating a sense of symmetry and harmony that brings the film full circle.

What are your thoughts?

Are there more shots you think should be part of the Colossus Movie Guide for Mother!? Leave your thoughts below and we’ll consider adding them.