scene analysis

in this scene from 500 Days of Summer, the main characters Summer and Tom speak for the first time since their breakup and summer’s subsequent marriage to another man.

the framing is typical for a conversation scene, each actor being shot “over the shoulder” of the other. however, the scene takes place on a bench; the actors are seated next to each other, facing outwards. the scene could have taken place at a table, with the actors across from each other, but the fact that they are not facing one another helps to emphasize the fact that these characters are no longer together, and no longer share the strong bond they once did. they may be sitting near each other, but they are not connected.

additionally, the colors in the scene are primarily dull and unsaturated. while other scenes in the movie are full of vivid color to emphasize the passion the characters feel for one another, this scene is comparatively gray, reflecting the sense of loss and listlessness that now exists between them.

interestingly, Summer is actually quite pregnant in this scene, which is revealed at its beginning (before they sit on the bench together, and before the clip above starts). however, the entire conversation is shot from the actors’ chests up, so her baby bump is not visible while they are actually talking. it is possible that this decision was made to avoid distracting the viewer, keeping the emphasis on the two characters themselves and the conversation they are having; seeing the baby bump throughout the conversation would keep the viewer thinking about Summer’s pregnancy and husband, but this particular conversation is not about those things, and so that visual reminder is removed from the equation to make clear that the viewer should be thinking about Summer and Tom and their relationship.