This scene in the film Jersey Boys is all about a shift in power. It’s all done with pitch perfect cinematography and biting dialogue. In the time it takes to sing one song, we witness the power in the group move away from Tommy, this guy, and over to Frankie and Bob, these two

At the start Tommy is up on stage. He’s framed in a low angle shot and really seems to be towering over Joey and Bob. At the beginning of this scene, he oozes power and authority. He introduces himself as a the leader of the group [clip] bosses Joey around [clip] and doesn’t show new guy Bob any respect. This authority goes unchecked until Frankie steps in [clip]. This is the beginning of the end for Tommy’s authority in the group. But everyone still looks at him to allow Bob to try out now.

Bob comes up on stage, and this is where things start to really shift. Bob’s musical talent and connection to Frankie becomes impossible to discredit. And having spent the first part of the scene centre stage. Boom. Tommy is immediately relegated to the back of the frame, not even in focus. As the singing begins, the focus and the power starts to shift to Bob and Frankie. Close ups of the two start to become the norm. Then, we get this shot, where Nick the 4th member, literally leaves Tommy’s side to join Bob and Frankie. The three of them start playing and the camerawork dramatically emphasises this rift beginning to materialise. Reluctantly, Tommy joins in, but the moment has passed, the power dynamic has changed. Shots of the four of them are framed to clearly illustrated Tommy’s fall from power. Not only is he at the back, he’s distinctly separated from the group.

Where the others occupy two shots, Tommy is often shot alone, further demonstrating his growing disconnect with the group. Then we get to maybe my favourite shot in the scene where Tommy is literally wipe from the shot at the camera pans around to Frankie and Nick. We finish on a shot of the four of them. But the imagery could not be more obvious. Small and demoted to the far side of the frame, Tommy’s lost his grip on the group. His power and authority has been diminished, life for the Four Seasons will never be the same. I love how well crafted this scene is, and I think the director, Clint Eastwood, yes, that Clint Eastwood directed this film. I think he does a brilliant job at depicting the power shift and that’s why I think this is a MMM. Thank you for watching. Please check out other MMM’s on your screen now.