The Piano - Performance

Both Holly Hunter (Ada) and Anna Paquin (Flora) give phenomenal performances in this scene; in this entire film to be exact, gaining them an Oscar each. In this scene, Hunter shows an amazing range of emotions in the film, even though her character is mute. Hunter also shows the true character of Ada through her actions. This is shown through juxtaposition when Ada is reading her book peacefully then a second later, Alisdair barges in and axes her book. She is then dragged outside, while the audience can she that she is using all of her will to fight back and gain control. Her performance is amazing because even though Ada is terrified of Alisdair and his violent ways but she still refuses to give in. The desperation and terror shown on Ada's face shows the difference from when she was reading the book - peaceful, calm and content. This shows that Ada is strong and won't give up, as she attempts to fight back against Alisdair. This performance links back to the message in the film about women being controlled by men through Ada and how she refuses to be the ideal wife for Alisdair because she's a head-strong independent woman showing gender control. Paquin also delivers a mesmerising performance when (at 1:32:14) she is following Alisdair through the raining forest and through her expressions and performance, the audience is able to feel the terror that Flora is experiencing. When Flora watches on helplessly as Alisdair drags Ada outside, and the mud on Flora's outfit shows that Flora is losing her innocence and is being dragged into the world of adulthood. When Alisdair yells to Ada "Is it him you love?" and Ada refuses to answer, Flora yells "No! She says no!" (at 1:33:43) and the anger and dread shown on Flora's face heightens the scene and makes it more dramatic and real to the audience. The terror seen through Flora shows us how much Flora loves and cares for her mother and how horrible it is for Flora to witness her mother go through a violent, scary event. This scene is the first scene where true anger and shock is shown from Flora and her strong love for her mother. Flora also doesn't fit into society; she is loud and sassy as opposed to the expected child that would be quiet and shy. Flora reinforces the idea of gender roles and how the lead characters in this film are strong and independent and don't conform to society.