One particular element of the film’s mise-en-scéne that stood out for me was the lamp that I believe had the image of, if not Iguazu Falls (the symbol of internal fulfillment) then at least some sort of body of water. Located in Lai’s shabby room, the bright aqua lamp starkly contrasted the dim green/brown color scheme of the rest of the room. By displaying such a contrasting set piece in scenes it highlighted for the audience the character’s desire for freedom and self-fulfillment in their lives. As depicted in the one scene that opens with a close-up of the lamp and then slowly zooms out to show the rest of the room, and thus emphasizing its significance. By declining to use traditional narrative techniques to depicts the films story, Happy Together once again provides a counter to hegemony of mainstream cinema.