"Shallow Grave," by Danny Boyle

In Shallow Grave, we can perceive the determining role that music has in Boyle’s work. In fact, he explains that his “biggest influence is music” (xi). In this film, Boyle uses music to provide hints of an underlying danger which automatically distorts the carefree trait of the characters. When the flatmates are overwhelmed with euphoria from the luggage full of cash, a happy yet unsettling melody overflows the scene. Through the aids of music we realize that there is something off about the situation we are witnessing. Thus, we start speculating about the origins of the money and its real cost. Such use of soundtrack reminded me of the opening scene of David Lynch’s Blue Velvet, in which a happy music is coupled with scenes of a model American suburb. As the camera tracks through these model houses, an unsettling element discreetly takes over the scene.

Shallow Grave explores the power originated from sight. The issue of who is observing and who is been observed was a theme that particularly reminded me of Fritz Lang’s Dr. Mabuse. Surveillance represented power and control over the others, which is why David, the “gentle giant” (10), drilled wholes in the ceiling to observe every inch of the house. Moreover, it is interesting that David needed glasses to be able to see and thus have power over the others. In fact, through close-ups of his glasses, Boyle indicates the shifts of power through the film. By only showing the reflection of the attic’s door in David’s glasses, we know that he will be able to defend himself from the two killers that had just assaulted his flatmates. In addition, when Juliet tries to lure him into running away with her, she starts seducing him by removing his glasses and thus leaving him vulnerable.

In addition to surveillance, Shallow Grave reminded me of Dr. Mabuse regarding the use of technology and telephones as a medium of control and penetration into closed systems. In Dr. Mabuse, the telephone goes from being the glue of his operations to become one of the principal causes of the fall of his empire. Such situation is reenacted in Shallow Grave. When the flatmates are ahead of the game, they have a strong domination over the telephone, deciding to ignore conversations with outsiders. However, the only time when Juliet picks up the phone willing to talk, there is no answer from the other end. Through this call, the two men that were looking for Hugo were able to enter the flat, which was no longer a safe and sealed place.