Reflection Assignment on
Tampopo by Juzo Itami
Emily Rodriguez Moreno
Professor: Alfred Soto
September 8, 2023
Florida International University
Abstract
Tampopo, directed by Juzo Itami and cinematographed by Masaki Tamura, uses different angle choices to accentuate the character’s emotions and complement the unstated words of Tampopo and Goro throughout the film. The lighting change suggests an evolution in the characters and their relationship. The use of subdued colors in most scenes, with just a wisp of color coming from the meats and vegetables, highlights the food as the common thread of the film and what unites the characters. From medium to close-up shots, Itami emphasizes and intensifies the character’s thoughts and feelings.
In Tampopo, director Juzo Itami and cinematographer Masaki Tamura use high camera angles and lighting to convey the character’s emotions and complement the unstated words of Tampopo and Goro. When Tampopo wakes up from a nightmare about not having the ramen ready for the customers she invited over the night before during an argument, the camera is positioned at a high angle. This angle choice shows Tampopo as “powerless and trapped” (Giannetti, 2017, p.12). High angles tend to show the ground; in this scene, the viewer can see the counter full of food, dirty and disorganized, suggesting that that’s how the character feels during her journey to discover the best ramen. During the same scene, the angle changes from high to eye-level shots when Tampopo reunites with Goro. A high angle conveys the “character’s self-contempt” (Giannetti, 2017, p.13). Tampopo’s self-destructive thoughts leave her once she sees Goro; even though not stated, the transition from high to eye-level shots shows Goro as Tampopo’s leader and the person she trusts to master the art of cooking ramen. Lighting choices provoke a similar understanding of this scene in the viewer. The available light in Tampopo’s kitchen is scarce; as she walks outside, more light is available, accompanying Goro’s entrance into the scene.
Itami uses long shots, lighting, and colors that indicate an evolution in the characters and their relationship, highlighting the discovery of Tampopo’s new ramen recipe. When Tampopo opens her restaurant, the lighting and colors differ from the rest of the film. The transition from subdued colors to more vibrant colors highlights the end of Tampopo’s journey to find the perfect ramen recipe. A long shot of Tampopo placed in the center of the kitchen and lights focused on the new counter make the viewer feel invited to try Tampopo’s unique recipe. The natural light used in this scene creates a warm environment, where it is noticed that the characters have overcome the differences between them due to a shared passion for culinary art. In addition, close-up shots and static camera position put emphasis in the character’s facial expressions.
Through high angles, long and close-up shots, lightning, and colors, Juzo Itami and Masaki Tamura make the audience understand and interpret the thoughts within the characters. During Tampopo and Goro’s farewell, close-up shots focus the viewer’s attention on the character’s emotions, making the viewer forget the chaos of the restaurant. The final long shot of Goro driving away from the town brings closure to the film and lets the audience know that his task of helping Tampopo discover the best ramen recipe has been accomplished.
References
Giannetti, L. (2017). Understanding Movies (14th ed.). Pearson Education (US). https://reader2.yuzu.com/books/9780134002521