Mystic River #2

   Greek dramas are the basis for all plays, movies, TV shows, and many other forms of modern entertainment. Many of the functions Greek dramas use are present in modern form of entertainment. One thing the Greek drama system often uses is implied violence as opposed to actually showing the violence on stage. Clint Eastwood applies the same mechanic in his movie Mystic River. One such occasion occurs when Dave meets his end. While the audience never actually sees him get shot and killed, Dave's death is easily apparent.
   Aside from the obvious reasons for not showing the gunshot on camera, important impacts occur from not showing the gunshot. The moment the shot comes out, the screen immediately is covered by bright white light with angelic noises in the background. The immediate transition leaves a paramount impact on the audience. The initial build up to the gunshot provides the audience a sense of heightened alert and nervousness. After the shot, the audience is meant to feel sad yet happy for Dave, because he is free from his torturous past.
   The cover up with the light and angelic singing stands not only for Dave's ascent to heaven, but also his release from his nightmarish childhood ordeal. Even years after the incident, Dave's kidnapping continuously haunts him. He even claims the real Dave is still captive at the cell. The gunshot scene symbolizes Dave's freedom from his life-long torture. By seeing the covering over the gunshot, the audience gains a sense of understanding about what it means for a tortured soul gains released no matter how violent the release may be.