Levi-Strauss' Theory of Binary Opposites

The film I have chosen for this task is Frank Coraci's Click (2006).

1)  What is the genre of the film? How are the genre signifiers introduced?

The genre of the film is fantasy-comedy-drama. Semiotics of these sub-genres include a universal remote prop, which can be used to control everything in the universe, the fact the antagonist is an angel and the way that the entire film was a dream, clearly show the fantasy aspect. The comedic, light-hearted aspect of the film is shown through the generally positive and upbeat audio and the consistant natural sunlight lighting. Also, you have you're blunder humour, for example, when the protagonist, Michael Newman (Adam Sandler) says the clients name incorrectly several times. Also, the lack of CUs creates a vibrate, positive atmosphere, the platform for comedy to take place. In these early stages of the film it is hard to see signifiers of drama, however the minor family conflicts, such as turning up late to the swimming race, indicates to the viewer that the conflict is likely to increase.

2) Who are the main characters and how are they opposed?

Michael Newman (Adam Sandler) and Morty (Christopher Walken) are the main characters, with Newman as the protagonist and Morty as the antagonist. At first these characters seem to get on really well, however it later becomes clear that Morty is the Angel of Death, who is trying to cut Newman's life very short.

3) What are the main themes of the film and how are they introduced?

There are themes such as good & evil, heaven & hell, mortal & immortal, humour & sinisterness, life & death and fulfilment & regret. These ideas are introduced to us gradually as we learn more about Morty's character. This is clear for the first 5 binary opposites aforementioned, but the last pair, fufilment & regret is shown to us throughout the film once he has obtained the remote. This theme is the most important since it sums up the moral of the story; to enjoy and make the most of your life, without wanting to speed it up. We see this theme through Newman's sadness after events such as the death of his father, the divorce of his wife and ultimately, his death.

4) How is the narrative organised to show conflict?

The main conflict is to do with the family, especially in the opening sequence. For example, when Newman complains about the O' Doyles having a universal remote, we see jealousy and then just after that he upsets the children by saying that he is too busy to build their treehouse, showing us that he is overowrked, which the audience knows will be the result of many future conflicts due to the connotations with this trait.