SINISTER & DEXTER: INSPIRATION + RESEARCH
I began by researching the meanings behind Dexter and Sinister to solidify my understanding of the differences between the two (before I could apply this to the narrative and casting of our fictional film opening).
“Sinister” derives from a Latin word meaning “on the left hand side.” The “left” giving evil, foreboding and negative connotations. From further research I had found that the association of the left with evil is likely to be the dominance of right-handed people within a population.
“Dexter” derives from the Latin word meaning “on the right ride,” which is the positive to Sinister. Thus meaning, it have mainly positive, strong connotations that survives through its linguistic descendants.
When conducting research and gaining inspiration for our fictional film opening I found that there is an emphasise on the good angel / bad angel dichotomy which dates from medical morality plays and which was continued in drama as Marlowe’s Dr. Faustus. The good angel stood on the right hand to represent virtue (dexter) and the bad angel stood on the left side (sinister) in an attempt to persuade the should to go down an evil path.
This is applied in my fictional film opening as I acknowledge the draw of the criminal path, represented by Gabe’s (sinister) lure and temptations, The counterbalance is Holly (dexter / angel like energy) who is redemptive and wholesome, representing strong, social values.
Morality Play, Marlowe’s Dr Faustus
DEVELOPED / FURTHER RESEARCH: Images of Dr Faustus work
Our casting of Holly positions her as the Pre-Raphaelite angel with flowing locks and limbs, pale skin.
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