Technically, Ozu used many low to the ground camera angles. We discussed in class that his purpose behind doing so was to simulate the Japanese tradition of sitting on the floor. Ozu's shot selection also added to the film's realism. I remember from the film that there were several instances in which it seemed like he had placed a camera in a hallway and showed people merely walking in and out of rooms. This kind of slow shot progression and showing of everyday activities enhances the film's realism, for instead of showing only relevant shots, Ozu instead gives us an idea of everyday Japanese life.
Thematically, Tokyo Story also exemplifies cinematic realism. The pace of the movie is very slow and, at times, somewhat boring. There are no action scenes or chase sequences, just everyday Japanese life. But as mentioned earlier, that adds to Tokyo Story's realism. As viewers, we see a very realistic portrayal of an average, ordinary Japanese family.
Classic Hollywood directors would possess different "eyes" than Ozu, and therefore, their portrayal of realism would be different.
Technically, classic Hollywood cinema is based on continuity editing and making the camera seem invisible. That's one way in which Tokyo Story and classic Hollywood are alike. Ozu used his low camera angles to create the illusion of being at eye level and to de-emphasize the camera's presence.
Thematically, however, classic Hollywood films are centered around a central goal or quest of the protagonists. For example, in the Wizard of Oz, the central goal of the movie was for Dorothy to find her way home. Tokyo Story did not have this kind of focus. For me, the plot is still somewhat unknown and I'm not certain of Ozu's message that he wishes to deliver to his audience. This kind of central goal be a form of realism as well. Many people watch films to identify with the characters on the screen and to experience an emotional catharsis via the characters' struggles and achievements. Therefore, classic Hollywood films contain realism because they portray everyday character flaws and real emotions.
