Clip Comparisons

The two films express their problems through costume, lighting, and props. In particular, the first scene of Clockwork Orange has a strong emphasis on costume design, showing knights entering a pub. A woman and several characters dressed in official attire are present. Significantly, statues of nudist ladies, beer in cups, and guard rods are all obviously employed as props. Additionally, the movie makes use of lighting when the entire scene is lit in a rather high key.

Surprisingly, Babette’s Feast begins with low-key lighting and a long view of a social setting—sort of a monastery with chimneys blowing smoke. It then drifts to use fish as props. The sisters with food deliveries serving food are dressed in the attire befitting nuns.

Comparatively, Clockwork Orange uses the costumes to enhance the theme of moral defiance. The scene sets pace for discussion on moral decay in the society. The statues demonstrate how the subject of sexually is foregrounded. The beer shows celebration amidst social decay, hinting on a carnival celebration. In the film Babette’s Feast the costumes suggest a holy setting. The nuns in their attire indicate the religious setting and sets the stage for a discussion on the underlying issues on the faith.

Considerably, in the film Clockwork Orange high key lighting exposes the rot in the setting. It also conforms to the scene of the club where people are drinking. However, Babette’s Feast uses low key lighting, and seemingly raises curiosity on the undertones behind the religious appearance. It raises questions on whether there are some concealed realities in the background. Observably, in both films, the props fit in with the themes. In Clockwork Orange the statues symbolize immorality alongside the drinking indulgence. The knights with their guard rods insinuate violence, another form of social immorality. However, Babette’s Feast fish as a prop coincides with feasting and so are the food carriers. In essence, both directors of the movies have ensured that the mise-en-scene are in match with the subjects under discussion.