meinesterne:

TLJ Trailer 1 & 2: Rey and Kylo Contrasts.

From a discussion on Twitter between myself and @longstoryshortikilledhim.

These two images are clearly connected; they are visual reflections of each other. However, the differences are interesting to consider.

Rey is associated with nature (& its raw power) and Kylo with industrialisation/machinations of war. Rey: water – life, stone – stability; Kylo: mirror-like surfaces – deceit, durasteel, duraplast, etc – all man-made. There’s nothing separating Rey from her path forward, but Kylo is behind a solid (albeit transparent) barrier. 

Also, space opens up for Rey but it encloses Kylo. The camera is directly behind Rey, which emphasizes that she’s facing the power she sees before her straightforwardly. Kylo, we see from an off-center angle, which makes him seem more pensive? Troubled? Unsure about his connection to what he’s regarding? His stance is firm, though, and his reflection is clear. He thinks he knows where he stands.

Their arm positions: Rey’s arms are relaxed and down at her sides. She’s open to the path in front of her. Kylo’s hands are clasped in front of him, guarding/enclosing himself.

There is a clear focal point for Rey – the horizon. Kylo only has a confused, semi-obstructed visual field. She knows where she’s going. He only thinks he does – but there’s actually no destination in his view; only an enclosed storage place. A dead end.

Interestingly, the light source for both is in front on them.