'Schmetterlinge' and 'Fatal Attraction': A Look at Set-Ups

Wolfgang Becker's 1988 student film Schmetterlinge contains one element in its set-up that serves to throw-off the viewer’s suspicion about the main character Andi's ultimate, morally questionable destination.

This element is a unique character trait that is revealed about half-way through the story before the first major plot point of the film or the young girl Kaja's sudden death. Apparently, Andi has an interest in building models – very large, complex and meticulously crafted ones. This interest reveals Andi as someone who spends a very great deal of time alone, concentrating on the very miniscule details of decorative models.  In a moment of foreshadowing, the viewer sees Andi completing and attaching a tiny life-boat.

The set-up in Adrian Lyne’s 1987 film Fatal Attraction lacks some of the more interesting aspects of the set-up in Schmetterlinge. Fatal Attraction does contain, however, a very striking use of visual foreshadowing.

This occurs when the viewer is introduced to the Gallagher family. The Gallagher family is seen wearing white, in very casual and exposing way, much like the creepy antagonist Alex Forrest will be seen wearing later on in the film.

Another interesting moment within the set-up of the film takes place when the male protagonist of the film Dan Gallagher exposes comically through dialogue that, regarding a promotion, once he’s gotten where he wants to be, he doesn’t ever need to talk to those who helped him attain the position. This line of dialogue reflects his character’s relationship with the obsessive Alex which is characterized by non-reciprocation and ignorance.