[The Flowers of Shanghai]
Hou Hsiao-hsien
- Technique:
- Entirely filmed in the interior with low lighting:
- Subdued lighting on characters surrounded by opulence (costumes, architecture, etc.) depicts the dichotomy between their illusory life as entertainers (or their patrons) and the artificiality and fallacy behind their act. In a stunning form of visual dichotomy, one that uses the camera as a key dramatic element, the lighting functions as a transluscent veil that helps 'illuminate' the flower girls' internality (to the audience).
- Typical for Hou, filmed in extended takes that limits human actions and interactions to the business of day-to-day living.