Waves isn’t just a film; it’s an immersive, emotionally charged experience that demands active viewing. To truly watch Waves is to surrender to its powerful narrative structure, visual language, and raw depiction of grief, family, and forgiveness, understanding that its brilliance lies as much in what it doesn’t say as in what it does.
Understanding the Tides: Preparing for the Waves Experience
Waves, directed by Trey Edward Shults, is a challenging yet rewarding film. It’s less about passive consumption and more about active engagement. Before pressing play, consider the following:
- Prepare for Intensity: Waves deals with heavy themes like grief, guilt, and the pressures of expectation. Ensure you’re in a mental state where you can engage with these themes constructively.
- Understand the Structure: The film is divided into two distinct halves, each focusing on a different sibling within the same family. Recognizing this shift in perspective is crucial to understanding the overall narrative arc.
- Pay Attention to the Soundscape: The music and sound design are integral to the emotional impact of Waves. The soundtrack is not just background noise; it’s a character in itself, amplifying the characters’ internal states.
Navigating the Narrative: Active Viewing Strategies
Watching Waves effectively requires more than just sitting in front of a screen. It demands a proactive approach to understanding the film’s complexities.
Empathy and Perspective
The core of Waves lies in its exploration of perspective. To truly connect with the characters, you must actively try to empathize with their experiences, even when those experiences are difficult or unsettling.
- Consider Tyler’s Pressures: The first half of the film focuses on Tyler’s struggles. Understand the pressures he faces from his father, his athletic aspirations, and his romantic relationship.
- Step Into Emily’s Shoes: The second half of the film shifts focus to Emily. Try to understand her journey of healing and self-discovery in the wake of tragedy.
Decoding the Visual Language
Shults uses a vibrant and dynamic visual language to convey the characters’ emotional states. Pay close attention to the following:
- Color Palette Shifts: The film’s color palette changes throughout, reflecting the shifting moods and emotional intensities of the characters. Note how these shifts correspond to the narrative.
- Camera Movement: The camera work in Waves is often frenetic and disorienting, mirroring the characters’ inner turmoil. Observe how the camera movement changes to reflect their emotional states.
- Symbolism: Waves is rich in symbolism. Pay attention to recurring images and motifs, and consider what they might represent.
Listening Beyond the Dialogue
The dialogue in Waves is often sparse. Much of the story is conveyed through nonverbal cues, music, and visual imagery.
- Focus on Body Language: Pay close attention to the characters’ body language and facial expressions. These cues often reveal more than their words do.
- Let the Music Guide You: As mentioned earlier, the soundtrack is crucial. Let the music guide you through the emotional landscape of the film.
Reflecting on the Aftermath: Post-Viewing Analysis
Once the credits roll, the experience of watching Waves is far from over. Take time to reflect on what you’ve seen and consider the film’s deeper themes.
- Discuss with Others: Talking about the film with others can help you process your own emotions and gain new perspectives.
- Research the Themes: Explore the themes of grief, forgiveness, and family dynamics that are central to the film.
- Revisit Key Scenes: Rewatching key scenes can deepen your understanding of the film’s complexities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Watching Waves
Here are some frequently asked questions that delve deeper into the nuances of watching Waves effectively:
1. Is Waves a movie for everyone?
- No. Waves deals with sensitive and potentially triggering subject matter, including grief, violence, and substance abuse. Viewers should be aware of these themes before watching. If you are struggling with any of these issues, consider seeking professional help.
2. What is the significance of the two-part structure?
- The two-part structure allows for a nuanced exploration of grief and healing from different perspectives. By shifting the focus from Tyler to Emily, the film broadens its scope and offers a more complete picture of the family’s experience. The first part focuses on the lead up to a tragic event while the second deals with the fallout and healing process.
3. How important is the music in Waves?
- The music is absolutely crucial. It’s almost a character in itself, amplifying the emotional impact of each scene and providing insight into the characters’ inner states. The soundtrack is carefully curated to enhance the viewing experience.
4. What should I look for in the cinematography?
- Pay attention to the color palettes, camera angles, and camera movement. These elements are used to create a specific mood and to reflect the characters’ emotional states. Notice how the cinematography shifts between the first and second halves of the film.
5. Why is the dialogue so sparse?
- The lack of dialogue forces the viewer to pay closer attention to nonverbal cues, such as body language and facial expressions. It also allows the music and cinematography to play a more prominent role in conveying the story. The film relies on showing, not telling.
6. What are some of the key themes in Waves?
- Key themes include grief, forgiveness, family dynamics, the pressures of expectation, and the search for identity. The film explores how these themes intersect and impact the characters’ lives.
7. How does Waves explore the concept of masculinity?
- Waves offers a complex and nuanced exploration of masculinity, particularly through the character of Tyler. The film examines the pressures that young men face to be strong, successful, and in control, and the devastating consequences that can result when these expectations are not met.
8. What is the significance of the ending?
- The ending is open to interpretation, but it suggests a path towards healing and forgiveness. It shows the family beginning to find a way to move forward in the wake of tragedy. The final scenes emphasize the importance of connection and support.
9. Should I watch Waves alone or with others?
- This is a personal preference. Watching with others can provide an opportunity for discussion and shared emotional support. However, watching alone can allow for a more personal and introspective experience.
10. Is there anything I should read or watch before seeing Waves to prepare?
- Knowing about the film’s director, Trey Edward Shults, and his other works can be helpful. Understanding his stylistic choices and thematic concerns can enhance your appreciation of Waves.
11. What makes Waves a unique cinematic experience?
- Its combination of stunning visuals, a powerful soundtrack, and a raw, emotionally honest portrayal of grief and family makes Waves a unique cinematic experience. The film’s unconventional structure and its focus on nonverbal communication further contribute to its distinctiveness.
12. What should I do if I find Waves emotionally overwhelming?
- It’s important to be kind to yourself and allow yourself time to process your emotions. Talk to a friend, family member, or therapist about your feelings. Remember that it’s okay to take a break from the film if you need to. Self-care is paramount.