The simplest way to define the term 'binary opposition' is when two opposites are shown on the same concept, this is very popular in teen films to emphasise the differences between the characters and themes, mainly between the central characters such as the jocks and nerds, 'goodies and 'baddies' etc.
TWILIGHT:
In Twilight there are multiple examples of binary oppositions, one good example is the establishing shots of the two cities where Bella moves from Arizona to Folks. The Mise en Scene of both cities are completely contrasting to each other as the weather of Arizona is very sunny and green with the lighting very natural unlike the gloomy and cold city of Folks. The camera takes a wide shot of the two contrasting settings which picks up the obvious differences in the weather, it also gives the audiences a hint of the treason behind the significance of the binary opposition of the two cities, it foreshadows the danger that lays ahead for Bella as she moves from the bright happy life in Arizona to the snowy, gloomy Folks hiding a dark secret. Another technique which emphasises the binary opposition is the Diegetic sound used when Bella is in Arizona of her voice- calm and quiet, but deadly Non Diegetic sound is played when showing Folks emphasising the danger and drama that will be held in this dark city
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10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU
In this teen film there also numerous cases binary opposition is explored, one very good example is at the very beginning when a group of girly, perfectly groomed, dancing girls listening to pop live music in their open roofed car which totally contrasts to Kat pulling up in her own car while listening to different type of music- loud rock music (I don't give a damn about my reputation..') dressed in dark clothing with a miserable expression. The camera slowly pans across the screen from the group of girls in the first car to Kat which really emphasises the difference between them picking every detail.
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