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REVIEW OF A SCENE : THE RACH 3 : SHINE

Peter's dream of David playing the Rach 3 had come true, but David knew it would take a lot out of him (physically and mentally). David is at the piano; he has been training for this with Cecil Parkes, which had said to him: "You must play as if there's no tomorrow." Cecil also said that once he had completed the piece, no one could take it away from him. All of those sleepless nights practicing over and over with the hand movements, even when he was not at his piano were about to be pushed to the test.

The camera focuses in on David and the blank piano, the lights dim slowly, and a spotlight is produced around the main focus, David and the piano. This scene was put in to show that he was performing in front of an audience, and that this is the real thing.

The orchestra commences, David waits for his queue. This section of the scene produces suspense, which in turn readies the viewer for what is about to begin. He starts slowly, following the notes on the page, gradually his hands start to move faster and faster, it is almost like he is playing multiple melodies simultaneously.

It is obvious from the rapid movements of his hands that it is physically demanding. The sweat starts pouring down from his head, his hair is now soaked. While playing, David sometimes closes his eyes, as he had learnt how to play blind folded earlier. David is in a world of his own, and the effects of the camera work add to this. He is getting weaker, but pushes on, gradually losing all traces of the outside world.

The sound ceases. David is still playing, but no sound is produced. This part of the scene is powerful, it perfectly demonstrates the way in which David is breaking down. The music continues, but for only for a few seconds before cutting out again. At this point, the camera is fully focused on the keyboard and David's hands, only sometimes looking up at his face.

At this point, David has lost all traces of the outside world; he is drawing closer to the end. The camera effects are used to blur our view slightly, he is struggling to finish. This effect was well used, and captures what David is thought to be experiencing in a unique way.

David manages to finish, he tries to stand up, and it is obvious that his mind has broken down. He reaches for his glasses on the piano, and drops them. It is all blurry, and he is at his climax of his emotion break down. Then, he drops to the floor suddenly, the camera still focused at him. We can now see David lying on the floor, the cameras are zoomed in. This is, for me, the most emotional stage of the movie. He is just lying there, motionless, showing his real vulnerability to the outside world.

This scene was excellently performed for the purpose it had to do, move people. Shine does have the potential to move people, and in my personal opinion, this scene is the most emotional, and moving one.