Beyond Sex and the City: Sequence Analysis
Film Chosen: Bande de filles (Sciamma, 2014)
Sequence Chosen:
https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/ondemand/index.php/clip/249163?bcast=128239151
In the cinematic exploration of girlhood, meaning can be found in analysing the complexities
of mise-en-scène, camera work, editing, and the soundtrack of a film. The skilful
employment of these cinematic elements in Céline Sciamma's 2014 film, Bande de filles
(Sciamma, 2014), successfully allows viewers to easily construct meaning about characters
and their relationship with each other. The film follows its protagonist, Marieme, who seeks a
sense of belonging as she navigates various phases of her life growing up in the banlieue of
Paris. Throughout, Sciamma delves into the essence of girlhood, weaving a narrative that
deeply explores themes of identity, the power of female friendships and escapism, all
depicted through the skilful employment of cinematic techniques. A particular sequence that I
find most interestingly utilises and combines cinematic elements to underscore these themes,
and therefore, the scene I will be analysing in this sequence analysis is the first hotel room
scene. In this scene, Marieme solidifies her place within the friendship group when Lady's
girl gang temporarily escape their harsh realities by renting a hotel room where they dance
together to Rihanna's 2012 hit, 'Diamonds'. The widespread discussion and memorability of
this scene can be attributed to it being a turning point in Marieme's transformation from a
timid, unempowered girl to one who finds empowerment and a sense of belonging through
the comradery of her friends. Furthermore, in this analysis, I will delve into the function of
this sequence, unpacking the intricacies of mise-en-scène, cinematography, editing, and
soundtrack. By dissecting these elements, one can uncover layers of meaning that inform our
understanding of the power of female friendships.
This sequence is significant as it marks a critical temporary shift in the film's visual style
by how Sciamma signifies Marieme's integration into Lady's girl gang. Sciamma achieves
1
Film Chosen: Bande de filles (Sciamma, 2014)
Sequence Chosen:
https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/ondemand/index.php/clip/249163?bcast=128239151
In the cinematic exploration of girlhood, meaning can be found in analysing the complexities
of mise-en-scène, camera work, editing, and the soundtrack of a film. The skilful
employment of these cinematic elements in Céline Sciamma's 2014 film, Bande de filles
(Sciamma, 2014), successfully allows viewers to easily construct meaning about characters
and their relationship with each other. The film follows its protagonist, Marieme, who seeks a
sense of belonging as she navigates various phases of her life growing up in the banlieue of
Paris. Throughout, Sciamma delves into the essence of girlhood, weaving a narrative that
deeply explores themes of identity, the power of female friendships and escapism, all
depicted through the skilful employment of cinematic techniques. A particular sequence that I
find most interestingly utilises and combines cinematic elements to underscore these themes,
and therefore, the scene I will be analysing in this sequence analysis is the first hotel room
scene. In this scene, Marieme solidifies her place within the friendship group when Lady's
girl gang temporarily escape their harsh realities by renting a hotel room where they dance
together to Rihanna's 2012 hit, 'Diamonds'. The widespread discussion and memorability of
this scene can be attributed to it being a turning point in Marieme's transformation from a
timid, unempowered girl to one who finds empowerment and a sense of belonging through
the comradery of her friends. Furthermore, in this analysis, I will delve into the function of
this sequence, unpacking the intricacies of mise-en-scène, cinematography, editing, and
soundtrack. By dissecting these elements, one can uncover layers of meaning that inform our
understanding of the power of female friendships.
This sequence is significant as it marks a critical temporary shift in the film's visual style
by how Sciamma signifies Marieme's integration into Lady's girl gang. Sciamma achieves
1
