The 2023 film Anatomy of a Fall, directed by Justine Triet, is a gripping drama that delves into the complexities of a murder trial. At the heart of the film lies the profound influence of language function and linguistics on how we perceive the characters and the events unfolding before us.
It shows how language function shapes and alters how we perceive reality, starting with Sandra’s use of English and ending with the dynamics of translation in the courtroom.
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ToggleLanguage Function as a Tool for Manipulation and Control
The film opens with an interview with Sandra’s student. Here, we immediately see how language function can be wielded as a tool for manipulation. As a writer, Sandra is acutely aware of the power of her words.
The music playing in the background—50 Cent’s “P.I.M.P.”—adds another layer of interpretation to the scene. Some might view the song as an interruption that undermines Sandra with its vulgar lyrics, while others might see it as a reflection of Samuel’s (her husband’s) aggressive rebellion against Sandra, whom he suspects of flirting with the interviewer.
The conflict recorded between Sandra and Samuel provides further insight into how language function can be used to oppress or dominate. Samuel accuses Sandra of using language to control, even going so far as to impose English on their son, Daniel, which he argues has little relevance to his life. Here, language function is linked with power and territory, creating a complex dynamic within their relationship.
The Role of Translation in the Courtroom
The courtroom scenes following Samuel’s death are central to the film. One of the most intriguing aspects is how language function and translation affect the trial and the perception of Sandra. In the courtroom, the audio recording of Sandra and Samuel’s argument is translated into French for the jury.
This highlights the crucial role of the translator in conveying Sandra’s statements but also underscores the risk of inaccuracies or misunderstandings in the process due to the limitations of language function.
Interestingly, despite being fluent in French, Sandra chooses to speak English during the trial. She reasons that it’s easier for her to express herself in English. However, this choice can be seen as an attempt to preserve her identity, as explained by Jacques Derrida in his book Monolingualism of the Other. Derrida argues that one’s primary language can be seen as a dwelling place that influences all aspects of self-identity. In this context, English might not only be a means of communication for Sandra but also a way to maintain her sense of self amidst the challenges she faces, illustrating another aspect of language function.
The Complexity of Identity Through Language Function
Sandra’s linguistic identity adds another layer of complexity. While she speaks English throughout the trial, her first language is actually German. This places her in an ambiguous position, as though she is caught “in the middle” between two languages and cultures, which might reflect her position in the narrative—neither fully revealed nor entirely hidden.
Sandra’s choice not to speak German in the film further deepens the mystery surrounding her, leaving the audience questioning who she really is and what truly happened on the night of Samuel’s death, all of which are influenced by the language function at play.
The Influence of Sound and Silence in Storytelling
In addition to language, sound and silence play crucial roles in shaping the film’s narrative. At one point, the audio recording of Sandra and Samuel’s argument is used as evidence, but the recording fails to provide clear answers. The violent noises heard cannot be definitively attributed to either Sandra or Samuel, creating further uncertainty.
Silence is also effectively used to build tension and delve into the character’s psychology. When Sandra refuses to participate in a reenactment she deems unrealistic, a French woman automatically steps in to recite Sandra’s lines. This not only demonstrates the dominance of the French language in the courtroom but also highlights how Sandra loses control over her own narrative due to the limitations of language function.
Manipulating Narratives Through Language Function
Anatomy of a Fall skillfully demonstrates how language function can be used to manipulate perceptions and craft different narratives. In the trial, the prosecutor uses language function to paint Sandra as a cold-blooded murderer, while the defense attempts to reshape the narrative by portraying Samuel as depressed, jealous, and suicidal.
This reminds us of how language function can be used in media or propaganda to shape public opinion and steer collective thinking in a particular direction.
Triet, as the director, invites us to reflect on how truth is often shaped by the narratives we choose to believe. In this film, there is no definitive answer to what actually happened. Still, we are prompted to consider how we, as viewers, tend to choose the narrative that best aligns with our own biases and perceptions, influenced heavily by the language function at play.
Conclusion
Anatomy of a Fall is compelling not just for its criminal storyline but also for its deep exploration of the role of language function and linguistics in shaping our understanding of reality. The film illustrates how language function can influence our perception of truth through manipulation and translation challenges in the courtroom.
Justine Triet masterfully crafts this film to keep viewers constantly questioning what is real and what is merely narrative. In doing so, Anatomy of a Fall becomes a fascinating study of how language function and sound can shape, alter, or even obscure the truth.
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References:
https://medium.com/@antondechand/anatomy-of-a-fall-review-just-a-normal-family-right-bd05faf6bfc7
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/12/movies/anatomy-of-a-fall-review.html