The film Mommy uses an unconventional tool to display the emotional arc of the film. The entirety of the film, except for two scenes, is in a 1:1 ratio. The square of view makes the audience feel uncomfortable and claustrophobic, which relates to the family’s current feelings. Diane’s financial situation and her violent son limit the family’s opportunities. However, when she encounters a moment of peace, where the weight is finally lifted off of her shoulders, the aspect ratio slowly widens to fill the screen. Nearing the end of the film, Diane envisions her son pushing past his mental issues, getting into college, getting a job and raising a family. The screen widens again and a noticeable weight is lifted off of the audience, as there is now literal breathing room. This weight is then added back on when Diane realizes that this is not her reality, and the screen begins to close down. During these scenes where the screen opens up, the audience then dreads, just like Diane, the moment when the weight will return and the screen will begin to close again. It had never occurred to me how powerful changing something as basic as the aspect ratio could be in the emotional arc of a film. By controlling the vision of the audience, you make them feel as if they too are as restricted or as free as the main characters.
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