romchat - Romchat
Romchat

Analyzing romance in books and media to justify my singleness. New to tumblr. Wants to retire as a food blogger. She/her.

573 posts

The On1y One Visual Analysis (Ep. 5): Seeking An Opening

The On1y One visual analysis (Ep. 5): Seeking an opening

The On1y One Visual Analysis (Ep. 5): Seeking An Opening

Something I really enjoy about The On1y One's visual storytelling is how it uses framing to represent the tentative way Jiang Tian and Sheng Wang embed themselves into each other's lives. Through their interactions, we see Tian learning to let people in while Wang gives himself permission to trust those around him, and that fraught journey towards connection is beautifully captured by the show's cinematography choices.

The On1y One Visual Analysis (Ep. 5): Seeking An Opening

From the first episode, we see the show using architectural framing to represent Tian’s aloofness, whether it’s the walls of his old neighborhood that tuck him away from his classmates or the closet that hides his always packed suitcase. So I find it really interesting how the architectural framing of his homeroom’s classroom window serves a completely different purpose: to showcase Tian’s ability to fight against his instincts for pushing people away and gradually open up to Wang.

As noted by @heretherebedork, that open window changes the (physical and emotional) wall between them. Ever since he acknowledged their relationship in Episode 3 through this window, it's here that Tian continues to signal the changing boundaries of their relationship.

The On1y One Visual Analysis (Ep. 5): Seeking An Opening
The On1y One Visual Analysis (Ep. 5): Seeking An Opening
The On1y One Visual Analysis (Ep. 5): Seeking An Opening
The On1y One Visual Analysis (Ep. 5): Seeking An Opening

Each episode he slowly transforms from a silent observer removed from the world around him to someone extending the care Wang so desperately craves, and the window, as a frame within a frame, directs our attention to the significance of these moments. Tian not only offers Wang physical relief but also emotional relief--he sees Wang despite the latter having experienced a lifetime of being ignored, and this all happens through the window.

Moreover, the camera language The On1y One uses to frame Wang's response reveals how heady that recognition feels.

The On1y One Visual Analysis (Ep. 5): Seeking An Opening

One of my favorite examples of this is when Wang confronts Tian about helping capture the thugs who had attacked him. Tian denies having been involved but Wang refuses to believe him, playfully pushing him against the wall as he lists all the evidence to the contrary.

The On1y One Visual Analysis (Ep. 5): Seeking An Opening
The On1y One Visual Analysis (Ep. 5): Seeking An Opening
The On1y One Visual Analysis (Ep. 5): Seeking An Opening
The On1y One Visual Analysis (Ep. 5): Seeking An Opening
The On1y One Visual Analysis (Ep. 5): Seeking An Opening
The On1y One Visual Analysis (Ep. 5): Seeking An Opening

What makes this sequence of shots so compelling is how the framing changes as the two characters become more aware of the significance of Tian's actions.

The sequence is just a series of single shots (meaning each shot only features one person), but we can feel the tension between Wang and Tian because of the shift in balance and shot size. The shots start off-balanced and dirty, the characters' faces off to the edge of the frame and obscured by the other, but soon the framing closes in on their eyes gazing directly at each other. The extreme close-up is strangely honest and intimate, evoking a sense of wonder and nerves.

The On1y One Visual Analysis (Ep. 5): Seeking An Opening
The On1y One Visual Analysis (Ep. 5): Seeking An Opening

Being confined to such a tight frame proves to be too much for Tian, however, and the camera responds accordingly by shifting to a medium shot, as if to give him a breather. But from Wang's small smile, you can tell he feels pleasure at the idea of someone caring enough to protect him, and the camera language for the rest of the scene uses several techniques to visualize the emotional connection he allows himself to indulge in.

(See the lovely rack focus during Tian's "I was just thinking you must have been very scared" speech". Rather than editing together separate shots of Tian and Wang, the camera keeps both characters in frame and smoothly changes the focus between the two, visually linking them together. Their vulnerable conversation has fostered an irreversible shift in their relationship.)

The On1y One Visual Analysis (Ep. 5): Seeking An Opening
The On1y One Visual Analysis (Ep. 5): Seeking An Opening

So it's notable that when Tian tells Wang he is thinking of leaving Wang home to stay in the school dormitories, we get this absolutely devastating shot from outside their window, the closed frame now creating a stark line separating the two:

The On1y One Visual Analysis (Ep. 5): Seeking An Opening

Tian: Why do you want to stay at the school? Wang: ...I wasn't familiar with you. Tian: How about now? Do you still want to stay at school? Wang: No, now that I'm more familiar with you, right? And you? Do you still want to stay at school? Tian: I think I will in the future.

Wang interprets Tian's decision as a rejection of him, and the shot is cold and isolating to reflect that. Their last few interactions were one step forward and two steps back.

What smart visual storytelling.

  • justablgirlie
    justablgirlie liked this · 5 months ago
  • kiarafirkh
    kiarafirkh liked this · 5 months ago
  • ateezlovingbookworm
    ateezlovingbookworm liked this · 5 months ago
  • abstractelysium
    abstractelysium liked this · 5 months ago
  • birkemakesart
    birkemakesart liked this · 5 months ago
  • btsvttxt
    btsvttxt liked this · 6 months ago
  • watchthisqqq
    watchthisqqq reblogged this · 6 months ago
  • watchthisqqq
    watchthisqqq liked this · 6 months ago
  • lucky-princess
    lucky-princess liked this · 6 months ago
  • praeficio
    praeficio liked this · 6 months ago
  • decalcominia
    decalcominia reblogged this · 6 months ago
  • deathlyflcwers
    deathlyflcwers liked this · 6 months ago
  • astrophell7
    astrophell7 liked this · 6 months ago
  • itadora
    itadora liked this · 6 months ago
  • kimsun-oo
    kimsun-oo liked this · 6 months ago
  • craziestfangirl98
    craziestfangirl98 liked this · 6 months ago
  • lufla-lu
    lufla-lu liked this · 6 months ago
  • robciu-chan
    robciu-chan liked this · 6 months ago
  • feltbutneversaid
    feltbutneversaid liked this · 6 months ago
  • slenderhand
    slenderhand liked this · 6 months ago
  • sivchick
    sivchick liked this · 6 months ago
  • honey-of-the-abyss
    honey-of-the-abyss liked this · 6 months ago
  • imaginaryfriendashkun
    imaginaryfriendashkun liked this · 6 months ago
  • veemark
    veemark liked this · 6 months ago
  • bookishforce
    bookishforce reblogged this · 6 months ago
  • bookishforce
    bookishforce liked this · 6 months ago
  • marvel1228
    marvel1228 liked this · 6 months ago
  • divineandmajesticinone
    divineandmajesticinone liked this · 6 months ago
  • super-fan
    super-fan liked this · 6 months ago
  • emrysxq
    emrysxq liked this · 6 months ago
  • lollygirlpops
    lollygirlpops liked this · 6 months ago
  • everything-on-a-bl-bagel
    everything-on-a-bl-bagel reblogged this · 6 months ago
  • everything-on-a-bl-bagel
    everything-on-a-bl-bagel liked this · 6 months ago
  • stormsdaily
    stormsdaily liked this · 6 months ago
  • vipgdcl
    vipgdcl liked this · 6 months ago
  • yournewfavouritetune
    yournewfavouritetune liked this · 6 months ago
  • zolubaby
    zolubaby reblogged this · 6 months ago
  • zolubaby
    zolubaby liked this · 6 months ago
  • catlinscanberelicmasterstoo
    catlinscanberelicmasterstoo liked this · 6 months ago
  • just-a-glittery-fan
    just-a-glittery-fan liked this · 6 months ago
  • skamalltheway
    skamalltheway liked this · 6 months ago
  • sofapup17
    sofapup17 liked this · 6 months ago
  • told-the-moon-about-you
    told-the-moon-about-you reblogged this · 6 months ago
  • whatislovewhentherearebooks
    whatislovewhentherearebooks liked this · 6 months ago
  • jendorr
    jendorr liked this · 6 months ago
  • small-dark-and-delicious
    small-dark-and-delicious liked this · 6 months ago
  • haeeemiiii-blog
    haeeemiiii-blog reblogged this · 6 months ago
  • haeeemiiii-blog
    haeeemiiii-blog liked this · 6 months ago

More Posts from Romchat

6 months ago

Honestly, the way No Gain No Love skewers influencer culture and society's addiction to curated images and commodified authenticity is kind of brilliant.

Honestly, The Way No Gain No Love Skewers Influencer Culture And Society's Addiction To Curated Images
Honestly, The Way No Gain No Love Skewers Influencer Culture And Society's Addiction To Curated Images
Honestly, The Way No Gain No Love Skewers Influencer Culture And Society's Addiction To Curated Images
Honestly, The Way No Gain No Love Skewers Influencer Culture And Society's Addiction To Curated Images
Honestly, The Way No Gain No Love Skewers Influencer Culture And Society's Addiction To Curated Images
Honestly, The Way No Gain No Love Skewers Influencer Culture And Society's Addiction To Curated Images

Great use of editing medium shots (the fantasy) and long shots (the reality) together.

6 months ago
drawings of various people going insane with the text "me when the character who died before the story even began haunts the narrative that doomed them in the first place" written over it

i am a tragedy enjoyer before i am human


Tags :
6 months ago
Jeez. Why Did He Have To Hit Your Face? He's Worse Off Than I Am. You Can't Compare Your Face And His
Jeez. Why Did He Have To Hit Your Face? He's Worse Off Than I Am. You Can't Compare Your Face And His
Jeez. Why Did He Have To Hit Your Face? He's Worse Off Than I Am. You Can't Compare Your Face And His
Jeez. Why Did He Have To Hit Your Face? He's Worse Off Than I Am. You Can't Compare Your Face And His
Jeez. Why Did He Have To Hit Your Face? He's Worse Off Than I Am. You Can't Compare Your Face And His
Jeez. Why Did He Have To Hit Your Face? He's Worse Off Than I Am. You Can't Compare Your Face And His
Jeez. Why Did He Have To Hit Your Face? He's Worse Off Than I Am. You Can't Compare Your Face And His
Jeez. Why Did He Have To Hit Your Face? He's Worse Off Than I Am. You Can't Compare Your Face And His
Jeez. Why Did He Have To Hit Your Face? He's Worse Off Than I Am. You Can't Compare Your Face And His

Jeez. Why did he have to hit your face? He's worse off than I am. You can't compare your face and his ugly mug!

NO GAIN NO LOVE (2024)

Jeez. Why Did He Have To Hit Your Face? He's Worse Off Than I Am. You Can't Compare Your Face And His

Tags :
6 months ago
[A Woman Who Forgets Her Cringey Past Has No Future]

[A woman who forgets her cringey past has no future]

That is a line. I fully support this.


Tags :
6 months ago

currently maybe possibly single-handedly crashing whatever servers eton hosts its archived student newspapers on because me and a friend are getting obsessed with a single outspoken prefect from 1883


Tags :