A MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING
From the start, we immediately get the feeling that the male lead character lives probably with an older woman, possibly his mother. Feminine touches are in the form of accumulation of family pictures, quilts, ceramic trinkets and traditional lamps. Spots of vibrant colors come interrupt the monotonous color palette, which indicate the presence of another woman’s touch without disturbing the oppressive feeling of the space . The theme of patriotism is recurrent through out the story in most of the spaces with the use of the US flag or Its colors and also the —sometimes overwhelming- use of stars and eagles.
Adding some elements of Vietnamese textures and colors gives a hint that some things are trying to embellish the old into new.
The bedroom is stuck in the past and continues the patriotic theme. it is a space that holds many childhood memories and offers an opportunity for the audience to glimpse at the man the male lead character once was.
The only anchor to the present are clues of a disability or illness.
The objective is for the room to be reminiscent of a time where it was once used to to celebrate of Army and Country and strength and virility.
The kitchen is the only room where colors take over through the food and utensils. A new feminine presence is in leaving her print that space.
Creating the feel of a church basement was the perfect opportunity to combine the crucial elements that governed the past life of the male lead character: Faith and Country. It was equally important to connect that space to the past with use vintage chairs.
The wedding reception is not a joyous event and the festivities feel forced. The decor is cheap and the color palette is right out of the store. Those colors of pink, peach and mint green were standing out by having tablecloths matching the grey walls. The objective is to disconnect this current event from the present.
