Looking at Gregory Crewdson- Jennifer Williams

This untitled image by Gregory Crewdson is extremely controlled in every way. Everything in the image is there for a reason, it is very well thought out and executed. As in much of his imagery, the scene takes place in a home- in this case the bedroom.

The bedroom is a place of intimacy, and a place that is personal. The extreme cleanliness of this bedroom feels stuffy, and un-lived in. Everything in the room is put away, neat, tidy. It is a "picture-perfect" bedroom. But a perfect bedroom, as we can see, does not make a perfect relationship.

The fact that the bed is made, along with the quality of light in the window means that it is either morning or evening- they are either just waking up, or just going to bed. In either case, the bed is uninviting. The sheets are not turned down. The man does not beckon to the woman. Even though she is in a slip and bra, which would cause most men to take notice, he does not even look her direction. In fact, she does not look at him either. They both seem lost in their own worlds, and their expressions are ones of sadness, loneliness, depression.

The woman holds a brush in her hand... but makes no effort to brush her hair. He looks at the floor. They both seem depressed. Whether they have just woken, or are about to go to bed, they don't look happy to be near each other. The distance between them puts emphasis on the idea of how far apart they are emotionally. The blue-ish light tones that encompass the room are somber and cold, and though the bathroom is a bit warmer, it is sterile feeling. Again, perfectly ordered, and stark in it's cleanliness.

The photograph implies that the couple is the perfect suburban couple. We see the house of the neighbors through the window. The beautiful bedroom. The vanity laden with perfumes and lotions, and her silky nightgown on the ottoman. The bedroom is elegant in it's decoration, with delicate curtains, and even places to sit and perhaps read and be cozy with a cup of coffee. But the mood, the distance, the colors all tell us that it is a lie. A front. The photograph is about two people who seemingly have everything, but are unhappy, and without love.