Binary Opposition Essay

​

Binary Opposition in Titanic 

In this extract from Titanic, Cameron uses binary opposition to signify separation between the richer characters and the less wealthy characters. When each character is introduced we automatically know which class they are in, for example; the use of mise en scene connotes Rose's class through the use of costumes. She is dressed in an elegant purple and white dress which connotes that she is upper class and comes from a wealthy family. The lower class characters are dressed in dull, dreary, dark colours which symbolises that they aren't as wealthy as the characters dressed in bold, colourful outfits. The difference between classes is also connoted by the mise en scene by the use of lighting; when the wealthy characters are first introduced, it's light outside and they are shown in a bright light whereas when the poor characters are first introduced the setting is dark, dreary and smoky. The use of lighting gives meaning as the dark room and smoke connotes darkness and dirt, whereas the bright lights connote purity and cleanliness. We also see the binary opposition between the colours black and white on the exterior of the boat itself, the upper classes enter on the upper part of the boat which is painted white, this is juxter posed when we see the working class passengers entering on the lower half of the boat, which is painted black. The colouring of the boat reinforces the binary opposition of the lighting, bright and dark, as well as reinforcing the issue of separation between upper class and working class, opposing ideas have been used to denote the separation of passengers and denote the differences between classes. 

​In addition to this, Cameron creates a binary opposition between certain characters in order to show their differences of class, opinions and personality.The binary opposition between the characters Jack and Rose allow the audience to see the difference between class. Cameron uses mise en scene to connote the difference between Jack and Rose through their costumes. We can automatically see the binary opposition just by looking at the characters as Jack is dressed in dark, work clothes which connotes that he's working class. Rose is dressed in purple which signifies wealth, therefore connoting she's upper class, Jacks hair is long and loose which connotes his care free and fun personality, whereas Rose is wearing a large hat with her hair tied back, this connotes how she is restricted. In addition to this, Cameron presents a binary opposition between Jack and Rose's personalities. We see a contrast between characters from Rose's ungrateful attitude and Jacks's excitement and gratefulness to have tickets for Titanic even though they are third class tickets. Cameron uses facial expressions to denote each characters mood and opinions, when Rose is introduced we see her looking disappointed and she even comments on how she isn't impressed with the size of the boat. This denotes Her ungrateful attitude and disappointment whereas when Jack finds out he's won tickets we can see the look of joy on his face, this is reinforced though body language and dialogue as he is jumping and hugging people, opposing to Roses body language which is cold and stiff as she boards the boat. 

In this extract we can see a binary opposition between losing and winning. In some aspects it seems as thought the upper class characters are 'winning' as they have the more luxurious part of the ship, and have special treatment as we can see when they enter the ship. This could be seen as them 'winning' as it seems they a treated better than the working class passengers, the working class passengers could be considered to be 'losing' as they are treated almost like animals as they have to pass health inspections to be allowed on the ship. This adds meaning to the extract as the binary opposition allows the audience to see how working class people would have been treated, allowing viewers to have sympathy for them. However, you could say that the working class characters are 'winning'; through the use of iconography, we see these characters looking happy, smiley and waving to people as they get on the boat, whereas the upper class don't seem to have the same attitude or enthusiasm, an example of this is when Rose is first introduced. Rose is disappointed and feels as though the trip is a punishment, on the other hand, a working class character, Jack shows gratitude and excitement when wins tickets. The idea of Rose feeling punished and trapped on the boat juxtaposes with the fact that Jack wins tickets and is grateful for winning. Cameron creates this binary opposition in order to denote the differences between the two characters, and between the rich and poor classes.

​Furthermore, the music reinforces the binary opposition between Jack and Rose. When Rose and her family board, the music is calm, slow and classical which connotes Roses attitude towards going on the Titanic as there is no excitement or happiness in the tone of the music. The music also connotes the families wealth as it's music that would be listened to at upper class events. Opposing to this, when Jack boards the boat we hear Irish Folk music which gives a rushed, light hearted tone which symbolises Jack's freedom and care free attitude; similarly to this it connotes Jack's class as this is the type of music which would be played at working class events. In addition to this, the piece of music connotes Jack's gratefulness and happiness for winning the tickets, reinforcing a clear binary opposition between Jack and Rose.