The Secret in Their Eyes (2009)

Brief Intro

The Secret in Their Eyes is a riveting Argentine film directed by Juan José Campanella. It follows the intertwined lives of a retired legal counselor, his unfulfilled love, and the haunting case of an unsolved murder. The film seamlessly blends elements of romance, suspense, and mystery, captivating audiences with its profound storytelling and powerful performances.

Literary Devices Used in The Secret in Their Eyes

The film utilizes various literary devices to enrich its narrative and deepen the audience’s engagement. Here are ten notable devices:

Flashbacks

Movie Scene	Device Example
Benjamín’s recollections of the 1974 murder case	Flashbacks reveal past events that shape the present narrative.
Irene and Benjamín’s younger years in the office	Flashbacks explore their unresolved romantic tension.

Foreshadowing

Movie Scene	Device Example
Morales repeatedly visiting the train station	Foreshadows his obsessive quest for justice.
Benjamín’s discussions about justice and closure	Hints at the film’s climax and resolution.

Symbolism

Movie Scene	Device Example
The typewriter in Benjamín’s office	Symbolizes unspoken words and unfulfilled love.
The locked door in Morales’s home	Represents secrets and unresolved grief.

Irony

Movie Scene	Device Example
Benjamín dedicates his life to solving the case	Ironically, he remains emotionally stagnant.
Morales keeping the murderer captive	A twisted form of justice, contrary to legal norms.

Metaphor

Movie Scene	Device Example
“The eyes are the windows to the soul”	Used metaphorically to express deep emotional insights.
The recurring imagery of caged birds	Metaphor for trapped emotions and unresolved desires.

Imagery

Movie Scene	Device Example
The desolate train station scenes	Vivid imagery conveying loneliness and despair.
The vibrant courtroom settings	Contrasts with the darker, more personal aspects of the story.

Motif

Movie Scene	Device Example
The motif of eyes and gazes	Recurring motif symbolizing perception and truth.
The motif of trains and train stations	Represents journeys, both physical and emotional.

Juxtaposition

Movie Scene	Device Example
Benjamín’s mundane retirement vs. the intensity of the past	Highlights the contrast between his past and present life.
Irene’s professional demeanor vs. her personal vulnerabilities	Juxtaposes her public and private personas.

Suspense

Movie Scene	Device Example
The chase through the football stadium	Builds intense suspense and excitement.
The slow revelation of Morales’s secret	Maintains a gripping sense of mystery.

Dialogue

Movie Scene	Device Example
Conversations between Benjamín and Irene	Rich in subtext, revealing their complex relationship.
Morales’s sparse yet poignant words	Reflect his deep sorrow and determination.

Character Analysis Through Literary Devices

Character Studies

Benjamín Esposito

Device	Explanation
Flashbacks	Reveal his past dedication to the case and his unresolved feelings for Irene.
Symbolism	The typewriter symbolizes his unexpressed emotions and missed opportunities.

Irene Menéndez Hastings

Device	Explanation
Juxtaposition	Her professional confidence contrasts with her personal vulnerability.
Dialogue	Her conversations with Benjamín reveal her deep, unspoken emotions.

Ricardo Morales

Device	Explanation
Irony	His form of justice contrasts sharply with legal norms, highlighting his grief.
Imagery	The desolate imagery of his surroundings reflects his emotional state.

Character Dynamics

The relationships between characters, particularly Benjamín and Irene, drive the narrative’s emotional depth. Their unspoken love, expressed through poignant dialogues and meaningful glances, adds a layer of emotional complexity. Morales’s relationship with the memory of his wife and his obsessive quest for justice showcases the theme of enduring love and the lengths one will go to for closure.

Thematic Analysis

Justice and Revenge

Device	Explanation
Irony	Morales’s personal form of justice contrasts with societal norms.
Flashbacks	Highlight the long-lasting impact of the unresolved case on all characters.

Love and Regret

Device	Explanation
Metaphor	“The eyes are the windows to the soul” metaphorically explores the depth of emotions.
Symbolism	The typewriter and the caged birds symbolize unfulfilled desires and trapped emotions.

Memory and Time

Device	Explanation
Flashbacks	The narrative structure using flashbacks emphasizes the impact of past events on the present.
Imagery	Vivid imagery of past and present settings contrasts the characters’ emotional states over time.

Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices

Visual and Sound Techniques

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Flashbacks	Seamless transitions	Blends past and present to show the continuous impact of memories.
Imagery	Cinematography	Uses color palettes and lighting to convey emotional tones.
Suspense	Sound design	Builds tension with strategic use of silence and background scores.
Metaphor	Visual motifs	Recurring images like eyes and caged birds enhance the thematic depth.

Key Scene Analysis

Chase through the Football Stadium YouTube Link: Chase Scene
The stadium chase scene exemplifies the film’s mastery in building suspense. The seamless camera work, combined with the intensity of the chase, creates a thrilling experience. The use of close-ups on the characters’ eyes during critical moments ties back to the recurring metaphor of perception and truth.

Final Confrontation with Morales YouTube Link: Confrontation Scene
This scene reveals the climax of Morales’s quest for justice. The stark imagery and the profound dialogue highlight the themes of revenge and moral ambiguity. The subdued lighting and the enclosed setting amplify the tension and emotional weight of the scene.

Conclusion

To test your understanding of the literary devices in “The Secret in Their Eyes,” try this interactive quiz!

Quiz:

1. What literary device is primarily used to explore past events in the film?
   • A) Metaphor
   • B) Flashback
   • C) Irony
   • D) Dialogue
2. How does the typewriter function as a symbol in the film?
   • A) Represents justice
   • B) Symbolizes unexpressed emotions
   • C) Highlights the passage of time
   • D) Indicates professional success
3. Which visual technique enhances the film’s use of suspense?
   • A) Use of color
   • B) Sound design
   • C) Flashbacks
   • D) Metaphors