Across These Far Reaches

When I realized that the last half of the "Confrontation" piece was used for Elizabeth and Adam's reunion (and the aftermath), I had to discuss it. Now, I am not the most technically gifted in the musical world (I'm a pianist and singer, not a composer), but I will try to do my best!

So, when Elizabeth bursts into the room, and sees Adam for the first time in ages, the "Leaf" motif begins to play. That is totally the movie's love theme. I don't care what anyone says! It represents the gentleness, innocence, and beauty between them. There's also this light, airy composition. I know the reason for its title is because of the leave floating down the drainage ditch thing, but it also sounds as if the leaf is floating in the air. It's much like their relationship; in suspension, not knowing when it will touch the ground.

When Victor shoots her, there's an abrupt, split-second pause, and a few piano notes step up until a mournful violin enters with a modulation as the situation becomes dire. The music stops for a bit longer as numerous men storm in and attack Adam upon Victor's claim. After he fights them off, the music turns dark and powerful with cellos (I think) as we see an enraged Adam. A few single, soft piano notes are heard as he picks Elizabeth up from the chaise he laid her on. The scale used makes it seem like a moment of anticipation; a building toward something unknown. Its delicateness also displays the care Adam takes to lift a mortally wounded Elizabeth into his arms, and her quiet request to be with him.

Thus begins the sweeping track we hear as Adam carries his fallen bride to a more peaceful, private place. The composition choices are quite interesting, here. The majority of the piece is in a minor key, of course, but there are a few moments where it modulates into something temporarily major. One of my favorite moments comes in at 4:40. The chords are uplifting and romantic; the melody flows so smoothly. It's a beautiful blend of notes (and this is a case where I wish I had better retention from my college music theory class). We can also hear piano notes playing a countermelody, almost the same as the "Floating Leaf" motif, which, if it is, would be all the more tragic.

But when you expect it to continue for a few more measures, resolve into something pleasant, it immediately reverts back into dissonance. It happens a couple times during the sequence. It's rather misleading, because you know, ultimately, there is no happy ending here.

So, I have yet to watch the movie, as I don't have Netflix (my parents and brother do, so I have the chance). But with all of these gifs giving me feels, I have to do some analyzing. Thanks in advance to @phantom-threaded for allowing me to use these gifs!

Okay...**cracks and rolls neck**. Let's do this.

There have been so many wonderful meta and posts covering Elizabeth and Adam's relationship. It's almost impossible to 'like' them all, ahaha. Many of them discuss the symbolism, or what certain actions display. What I'd like to discuss is the cave scene. I know...it's tragic and heart-crushing, but there is some beauty in there that I think is worth noting.

So, Elizabeth is laying there, mortally wounded, and she's sort of confessing her love. Adam is clearly distraught; his eyes scanning her body up and down. His one hand on her chest (surprised no one has brought this up!), he has the other resting on hers.

However, he then slides that hand across her body, up to her shoulder, before spreading his fingers along the side of her face. This is significant for his journey to living life.

Why?

Because it's an action that any other man would do were he facing this.

I mean, think about it. I'm not sure how much time has passed, yet here he is, stroking her hair/cheek as if he has been doing it for years; like it's the most natural thing in the world. It's so humanly male.

One has to wonder, where did he pick this up? Could he have read it in a book? Witness it between a village couple? Or did his body unlock his innate male instincts, because he has lived for however long now...? I'd like to believe it was the third option. In any case, a part of Adam recognized what this woman meant to him, and was pulled to comfort her and touch her lovingly.

What would have made this even more impactful was if he had spoken, as well.

In the majority of the scene you can see his face. He's constantly making little movements with his head; it's frantic. His eyes are never off of her, and it appears he's pleading with her. In several other movies with this scenario, you hear the worried party say, "shh, try not to speak", "don't say that", or even confess their love if they haven't already. But, maybe that's the point of this relationship; they don't need to say anything. It's all about the body language, which, in a story about building a body, makes sense. Still, it would have been nice to hear him say something warm and gentle. And I know he had it in him, if his words after she died are any indication.

I'm sorry, but I have a controversial opinion about Gal's ring. I honestly hate it. I don't know how big it is in the book canon, but in the show, it's too big for its setting, or maybe the setting is too big for the stone. I know they can't replicate the movie version, but maybe don't have it so high. IDK. I just think it looks cheap and clunky, and not delicate.