The Bunker and the state of Sam and Dean's relationship (picspam)

[ash48]

I've been thinking about the Men of Letters bunker and how it's gone from a place that represented a warm, comforting space to a claustrophobic, cold one.

I love the way the cinematic choices reflect the state of Sam and Dean's relationship.



When the bunker was first introduced it was mostly filmed as an open space with lots of warms colours - oranges, browns and yellow. It was a place full of wonder, lots of books, warming light and comforting whisky. It had a feeling of home.

(8.13) The bunker hasn't changed, in terms of the set, but the way its been filmed has. There's been a focus on lines and bars and the colour has changed also. The warm colours are not used as much, instead we see more grey and steel blue. (9.14) Sam behind those swords and ghost!Kevin behind those bars are such great shot choices. Absolutely love these shots. I initially thought they just looked cool, but I think they are definitive attempts to create a locked in (or even locked out) feel. Even as early as 9.04 (Slumber Part), we begin to see some changes. More corridors, stainless steal in the kitchen and that fabulous shot of the shadow lines. (9.04 (top left) and 9.14), The room where Sam and Dean have their first major confrontation is a perfect set choice. The concrete is very noticeable and Dean looks anything but comfortable on that tiny stool attached to the table. The room feels closed in and small (in comparison to that great hall we've seen them eat before). I feel like it's quite oppressive and it's here that the bunker starts to feel less like home and more like a claustrophobic prison. (9.13, 9.14, 9.04) We've also seen more corridors (navigating the twists and turns) and the kitchen is full of cold steel. Dean's room has changed also. When we were first introduced to his room he was seen taking a pride in setting it up - hanging weapons on the wall. Later, the weapons no longer on the wall. I also love that low angle of Dean on the bed. We see lots of that cold, concrete floor. And Dean seems almost hemmed in by the bed. (8.14) (9.14) As hard as it is to watch the boys at such horrible odds with each other, at least we can appreciate what Jerry Wanek (Production Designer) and the production team are doing to emphasis the strain in the relationship.

Comments

[zannes.livejournal.com]

I'm amused because that kitchen table Dean is sitting at is the same as my dining table (with pull out seats). It makes it much easier to clean without having to move chairs in and out! I'm more Men of Letters than I thought.

[ash48.livejournal.com]

ha! I bet it would make cleaning so much easier! And yay similar to a MoL table. That's cool.