Detailed Analysis of Dramatic Elements in the Movie Castaway

This report provides a detailed analysis of the film Castaway, examining various dramatic elements. The report begins by outlining the central theme of survival, as presented in the film, and then delves into the plot, focusing on Chuck Noland's journey and experiences. It identifies key characters, including Chuck and Kelly Frears, and discusses their roles. The report further analyzes the dialogue, props, and non-verbal communication used in the film. Additionally, it explores the sets, makeup, and lighting, considering their impact on the narrative. The report also mentions the director, Robert Zemeckis, and his contribution to showcasing Chuck's transformation. Finally, the report references relevant sources to support its analysis.

Elements of
Drama[Castaway]
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TABLE OF CONTENT
Theme..........................................................................................................................................3
Plot...............................................................................................................................................3
Characters....................................................................................................................................3
Dialogue.......................................................................................................................................3
Props............................................................................................................................................4
Non-verbal communication (Silent performance).......................................................................4
Sets (Indoor-outdoor)...................................................................................................................4
Makeup........................................................................................................................................4
Lighting (Natural light - Artificial).............................................................................................4
Director........................................................................................................................................5
REFERENCE..................................................................................................................................6
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Theme
The basic theme of the film is the physical and spiritual survivals, which was being told by
Hank in Los Angeles Times- “I didn’t want to show a man conquering his environment, but
rather the effect the environment had on him”. This can also be seen in the story telling approach
in which Chuck tends to make effort upon its surrounding but is being affected by the
surrounding and lessons of the Island.
Plot
The overall Castaway movie plot is being concentrated upon Chuck Noland, which is an
individual person which is responsible for taking suitable steps to improve the work productivity
in FedEx deposits (Harun and Abd Razak, 2019). Chuck Noland is being summoned to restore
work problem in Malaysia and while travelling to Malaysia the FedEx plan encounters a crash
within the pacific ocean, leaving Chuck as the alone survivor on island. Then Chuck has to take
suitable steps to again reach out to its previous life so he can restore its personal life as well with
Kelly Frears, with which he was in long term relationship.
Characters
The movie primarily focuses upon Chuck and due to which there are few characters which are
as following;
Played by Actors Characters
Tom Hanks Chuck Noland
Helen Hunt Kelly Frears
Nick Searcy Friend to Chuck
Chris Noth Jerry Lovett
Lari White Bettina Peterson
Vince Martin Pilot, buried by Chuck in island
Michael Forest Pilot Jack
Jay Acovone Pilot Peter
Dialogue
The character Chuck has to be shown as a FedEx employee which is responsible for
establishing a bi-directional communication with the customers. While also has to be shown as
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being very angry towards others and due to which the set of dialogues have to be accordingly.
Also in order to showcase its long term relationship with Kelly Frears, several other dialogue
approaches were being showcased, which can be seen in car scene in which Chuck has to go on
work even on charismas also.
Props
There were limited number of props which were being used within the Film in which some of the
mostly known props which are being used are the FedEx truck which was often being used by
Chuck. While also some of the other famous props which are being are the volley ball which was
being decorated by Chuck (Winarsih, 2018). With that several other FedEx products, were also
being used by the Chuck on the island.
Non-verbal communication (Silent performance)
Chuck was responsible for having an very angry conversations with others, but there were
several moments as well in which silent communications were being used. This silent
performance can often being seen with Kelly while also majority of the Non-Verbal
communication can be seen with the volleyball which was being coloured by Chuck in order to
develop someone for communicating. Also the silent performances can also be seen in the end at
which Chuck decide to take unknown paths for his future life.
Sets (Indoor-outdoor)
The movie revolves around Chuck which has to travel a distances for resolving the FedEx
problems and due to which the majority of the shooting is being done on the outdoor conditions.
This can be scenes in which the Chuck has to communicate outdoor in Russia with the customers
in front of FedEx truck. Whereas other sets comprises of Island in which Chuck has to stay
outdoor and always uses several approach to gain attention of passengers.
Makeup
The character Chuck has to be looked as an hard working FedEx employees and due to
which a casual regular makeup was being given to him. But in cases of Island scenes a rough
individuals look his to be given to Chuck and due to which a beard which shown upon his face
with a slight touch of sand and dirt in it.
Lighting (Natural light - Artificial)
The majority of the movie part is consist of the island part and therefore because of this
natural lights were being used to showcase the real life experience. Through which the Chuck
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has to go through, but also in the regular time frames in the Chuck is in the Society. In cases of
travelling through the aircraft, cars and several other night scenes artificial lights are being used.
Director
The movie Castaway (2000) was being directed and produced by Robert Zemeckis. In this the
director is being successful in terms of showcasing the overall journey of the character Chuck
from being a person living within the civilization as an FedEx employee (Kwon and Lee, 2017).
To an real life survivor which is being stuck upon an island alone and has to learn several new
things which are necessary for living.
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REFERENCE
Harun, A. and Abd Razak, M.R., 2019. The use of anthropomorphic agent in movie: case study
of Cast Away (2000). International Journal of Art & Design (IJAD), 1(6), pp.54-60.
Winarsih, S., 2018. NEEDS IN ISOLATED WORLD: A COMPARISON BETWEEN THE
CENTRAL CHARACTER’S HIERARCHY OF NEEDS IN CAST AWAY (2000) AND
IN THE MARTIAN (2015) (Doctoral dissertation, Universitas Muhammadiyah
Semarang).
Kwon, H.K. and Lee, S.J., 2017. The effect of a movie-based nursing intervention program on
rehabilitation motivation and depression in stroke patients. Journal of Korean Academy
of Nursing, 47(3), pp.345-356.
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