Montage Theory as Depicted in Jacobs Ladder Film

The montage has remained relevant over time because more often editors are faced with the dilemma of arranging the heap of visual information into a powerful story that captures the attention of the audience. The montage theory can be defined as an approach to understanding and creating of visual information and depends upon editing. Various scholars regard Soviet montage theory as the principal contribution to the modern cinema. Nowadays, most films depict montage through various narrative fiction film. In this paper, the film in the discussion will be Jacob’s Ladder. These methods include metric montage, rhythmic montage, tonal montage, overtonal montage and intellectual montage (Einstein, 2014). Each method of montage differs in concepts from one another. For instance intellectual montage is the practices of cutting according to the shot’s relationship to an intellectual concept whereas the overtonal montage is the practice of cutting in according to the various “tones” and “overtones” of the shot ("Watch: 5 Essential Types of Montage to Use in Your Film", 2018).

According to various scholars, filmmakers need to at least use one of the types of montage in their films. Montage theory allows comparison of two relating scenarios. The tension also results from the duration of this shot. The film is told in a rhythmic montage as portrayed by the continuity of events in the film. Some of the exciting scenes from the film “Jacob’s Ladder” is when Jacob is visited by both the demonic and angelic figures. It is correct to state that some of the scenarios in the film “Jacob’s Ladder” are Christian symbolism. For example, when Jacob awoke from his sleep and contemplated on the Gospel. Jacob’s Ladder film is a movie that needs an audience to have a deeper insight due to the use of tonal montage.

The filmmakers have used tonal montage to get complex reactions from the audience. For instance, the ending of the movie ignites different assumptions among the audience. From Jacob’s Ladder film, Jacob Singer’s life was all about hallucination. Relating these scenarios with the montage theory is enough proof that no clear distinction can be made between reality. The filmmakers have achieved this by relating the two deaths in the entire film. Therefore, the audience needs to have an idea of this relationship to be able to understand better the happenings portrayed in the whole film. Lacking a concept or an idea results in difficulty in understanding a film. Metric Montage Einstein described metric montage as the length of shots in a film.

Each shot has a specific length of time to allow the audience absorb the information the filmmakers intend to convey to the audience. According to various scholars, the reality is a focal point in filmmaking mainly because characters question the interpretation of the world (Eisenstein, 2014). Different characters have been accorded different roles in the Jacob’s Ladder film. The filmmakers of the film have also introducing supporting characters who ensure the lead character, Jacob Singer, performs his role. The Role of Montage Theory in Developing the Film’s Main Theme The montage theory in Jacob’s Ladder film is evident when a connection between the biblical ladder and the promenade is made clear in the case of the Maison Guiette in Antwerp.

Here, a description of the purpose of the stairs has been illustrated. Watching the Jacob’s Ladder film enables one to develop a mystery. The happenings depicted in the film build up the mystery. For instance, the setting of the film can be interpreted in many ways. This is because the setting depicts the personal emotional journey encountered by Jacob Singer. The setting of Jacob’s Ladder has been described in such a manner that the audience can easily relate to and at the same time depicts the objective truth of individuals. This has been illustrated by the inclusion of the “dream” setting in the film. An analysis of Jacob’s Ladder film impacts one with religious clues and symbolism. From the film, Jacob Singer is involved in scenarios that are religiously affiliated thus inducing some aspects of religion.

To understand better in such scenarios, one needs to have an open mind. Despite the inclusion of religious clues and symbolism, the filmmakers have managed to bring out the mystery in the whole film thus making the film captivating and more interesting. For first time viewers, Jacob’s Ladder film results in frustrations due to the emergence of mixed reactions. The filmmakers of the Jacob’s Ladder have incorporated different shots in the entire film to elaborate more on the happenings. Due to the montage theory, the filmmakers of the Jacob’s Ladder have managed to withhold the actual nature of the experience. However, in the end, the filmmakers portray the experience of the film. Despite the reveal of the film’s actual nature, many are not sure if the instances.

However, these series of events need to be well understood before analyzing them. Failure to which may result in wrong perceptions. As a result of the intended message that the filmmakers aim at portraying becomes diluted. The montage theory in the Jacob’s Ladder has been used to relate real happenings to the biblical happenings. The filmmakers of the film have also used symbolism to relate these happenings. For instance, the intervention of Louie the Chiropractor and the difference in deeds: good and demonic deeds. The audience of this film is unable to relate to the biblical perspective of the happenings if he or she is unfamiliar with the biblical happenings. According to scholars, the filmmakers of the Jacob’s Ladder have focused more depicting the struggles encountered by Jacob.

These struggles are in the pursuit of reaching the afterlife. Jacob faces lots of difficulties. During two instances, Louie the Chiropractor appears to save Jacob Singer from traumatizing events. Filmmakers need to have the ability to use different types of montage theory and also the ability to introduce supporting characters in the play to fulfill certain purposes. The film Jacob’s Ladder has incorporated the montage theory in various ways. Despite the inclusion of the montage theory, there are still some individuals who do not understand the play based on the “hallucinations” and “dream. ” Conclusion In conclusion, the film “Jacob’s Ladder” reflects some of the aspects of the montage theory. Watching Jacob’s Ladder film impacts one with some of the religious aspects.