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The Iris Effect



From the start of Martin Scorsese’s film “Life Lessons”, the visual effect of a camera iris collapsing in on shots, leaving behind a black circle framing one section of the previous shot, is used to create a striking point of view. Throughout a surface level viewing, it would be quite easy to simply see this as an intriguing visual effect that draws attention to certain objects. However, this camera technique does far more than add unique aesthetic value. The amount of focus provided by it creates an effect similar to a spotlight on the stage, creating a hyperfocus on a singular object and/or section of the frame. Furthermore, it allows for the emotional layer story, a story about an established artist’s need to have a live-in muse that he needs to mentally torture so that he can have inspiration, and forces the audience into viewing the world through his eyes. Due to this the entire film is seen through a veil of obsession and objectification, making his disturbed relationships with women painfully clear.

In the early sections of the film,  the iris effect is almost entirely used on shots of her body. This quickly shows that Dobie sees her as more of an object, rather than a complex human being and fellow artist. Even if the scene is asexual based upon the actual dialogue, the focus on her body paints an entirely different emotional picture. For instance, in one sequence Lionel enters her room to have a conversation with her, and in this scene they begin to argue. However, the audience realizes that Lionel’s mind isn’t focused on her actual points, when the iris circles around her foot. This instantly leaves no doubt in the viewers mind that he is concerned with her body, not her actual points. Without this, it would be far less clear. Of course, the scene would continue on, and a sexual line would join the conversation. But still, a singular line is far easier to overlook compared to an entire sequence.
As the film continues on and the story progresses, the muse becomes increasingly aware of her situation. She starts to reflect more on how her art isn’t selling and Dobie continues to avoid giving her actual artistic help. Then, to gain control as she begins to stray, Dobie begins manipulating in her personal affairs, making her increasingly angry at him. Clearly, this change in the central power dynamic between the two leads to a shift in power. As the film delves deeper into this section, the iris begins to wrap around larger portions of her body, and is never again used on one small piece like her foot. This shows that even though he continues to objectify her and still doesn’t truly see her as person, but that she is starting to hold her own in this world.
As the film enters its final moments, the iris effect becomes used in an entirely different manner. It becomes used to simply show who contains the power in the sequence, rather than being a spotlight on Dobie’s internalized sexism and perversions. This shift continues to increase as the story grows, and she begins to manipulate him. Additionally, her threats about the possibility of leaving become more and more prevalent. As the dynamic continues to flip, she stops appearing in his iris, the cuts now appearing less and less. Then, she decides to leave him behind, crashing the dynamic and leaving Dobie powerless. During the final shot of the film, which is the scene following her departure, the iris envelops him.

Without a doubt, the iris effect is clearly one of the cinematic techniques that makes Scorsese’s film unique and memorable. It allows us to see the world through a slanted eye, making the camera biased rather than an objective observer standpoint. Without it, the power exchange and reversal that occurs over the duration of the film would be much weaker, though still part of the plot. Simply, this film would not have the same level of impact if this one camera technique was excluded from the narrative. What may be almost ignored by a simple viewer who doesn’t attempt to analyze the actual film and seen as a nothing more than a stunning visual, actually holds the key to the story and manipulates the subconscious of the audience.


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