Place in Little Miss Sunshine

One of the most interesting concepts we have talked about in class in my opinion is the active nature of place. Nature having it's own voice and personality gives one a kind of appreciation for it that can't be had if it is simply viewed as an object to be used for our gain. It can be viewed as God's physical form on Earth. Since my area of intrest is film, I want to discuss how I've recently witnessed a filmmaker depicting nature with a voice. I have seen the movie Little Miss Sunshine quite a few times, but the last time I watched, I noticed something subtle and beautiful about it. Throughout most of the film, the family is making the long trip to California in a beat up VW van, all to get their daughter, Olive, to the "Little Miss Sunshine" pagent. They are a relitavely broken family, but their bond strengthens as their odyssey progresses, enduring obstacle after obstacle. The pretty(although at times ordinary-looking) surroundings speak to the family as well as the audience. A couple parts jump out in my mind. The first is after the family has suffered a particularly devastating blow that leads to little Olive asking her uncle about Heaven. "Is there a Heaven"? she asks. Before he can come up with a definate answer, she cuts in: "I think there is." When he asks if he'll get in, she says yes. Silence takes over. The next shot is of the sky. It is perhaps one of the bluest, most breathtaking skies I have ever seen, adorned with fluffy white clouds. God seems to be answering through the surroundings. He comforts the family and the viewers, confirming that there is something more out there.
The next scene that struck me as profound was the scene in which Dwane and Uncle Frank discuss life--the past, present, and future. They are looking out over the ocean. The waves are steady and strong, and the wind hits their faces. I can't put my finger on it, but I know it was the location that made the scene impact me like it did. If this conversation was filmed indoors, much of the spirit and life would have been taken out of it.
It's as if scenery not only reflects the mood, but causes it as well.