Raising Arizona is a comedy by Joel and Ethan Coen. With hilarious writing, this film is instantly likable. However, perhaps one of the most striking thing about it at times, is the the visuals: particularly the use of steadicam. During the sequences when Hi is stealing Nathan Jr. and again when he is being chased by the police and some dogs, steadicam is used to produce a certain unique intensity. During the chase, Hi is speeding through people’s houses and the camera is flying along behind him relentlessly. While this is used to comic effect, it is incredibly impactful.
Comments