'The Passion of Martin': The Objective and Subjective Camera

OBJECTIVE CAMERA

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The majority of Alexander Payne’s 1991 short film The Passion of Martin is shot with an objective camera sense. Out of the many scenes shot objectively, one of the more notable uses of this form of shooting is during the scene in which Martin’s anger and frustration after having received a Dear John letter from his love interest Rebecca is visually represented as he stands over a washing machine with its inner mechanism spinning and winding erratically.

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SUBJECTIVE CAMERA

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Sprinkled sparsely throughout the film are a number of scenes in which a subjective camera sense is used. Perhaps the most obvious of these is when we are witnessing the main character Martin walk through a crowded city sidewalk as the audience is fed his misanthropic narration. However, a more unique use of the subjective camera is performed when we are exposed to Martin’s thoughts and memories.

The images presented on screen, introduced by abrupt, rapid cuts present a sort of mental film reel that illustrates what he is thinking at the same moment. Another memorable use of the subjective camera is when Martin is attempting to ascend a positively sloping roadway. The camera remains focused on him for an extended amount of time as he makes his run forward but the sustained shot conveys the tediousness and futility of his climb. Very Sisyphean.

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GENERIC THEMES

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The generic theme of the film is most strongly that love conquers all, whether one considers the actions of the main character moral or not. The film provides a unique twist to what seems to be an ancient theme, repetitively used before and after this film was made.