Director - Carol Reed (UK)
The opening scene starts with non-diagetic sound - a voiceover. There is a medium close-up, tilt shot of the open suitcase which shows that things aren't quite how they should be.
The next shot studied, was a close up of the black market which shows the viewers of the unglamorous location. This is all in noir lighting. The audience then see a body in the river and a sinking boat, which shows that the city is dangerous.
The audience are then introduced to the main character, Holly Martins, who is dressed in generic thriller costume - a trilby hat and suits.
Non-ambient lighting as he walks up the stairs to Harry Limes apartment. His shadow is on the wall. This adds a sense of mystery to the mise-en-scene.
There is juxtaposition in this scene as there is cheery music against the dull and dreary mise-en-scene.
There are no subtitles for what the German caretaker is saying. This helps the audience to feel like they are in the same position as Martins.
At the funeral, there is a 'femme fatale' (Harry Limes mistress) which is extremely generic for a thriller.
The following shot included the iconic introduction of Harry Lime in the doorway. This is a tilt low angle shot of the empty Vienna streets which makes the city look small and vulnerable, as if the city in coming down on top of Martins. The noir lighting in this scene adds to the sense of nightmare which is also generic in a thriller. The tilt shot also emphasises Martins disorientation.
The opening scene starts with non-diagetic sound - a voiceover. There is a medium close-up, tilt shot of the open suitcase which shows that things aren't quite how they should be.
The next shot studied, was a close up of the black market which shows the viewers of the unglamorous location. This is all in noir lighting. The audience then see a body in the river and a sinking boat, which shows that the city is dangerous.
The audience are then introduced to the main character, Holly Martins, who is dressed in generic thriller costume - a trilby hat and suits.
Non-ambient lighting as he walks up the stairs to Harry Limes apartment. His shadow is on the wall. This adds a sense of mystery to the mise-en-scene.
There is juxtaposition in this scene as there is cheery music against the dull and dreary mise-en-scene.
There are no subtitles for what the German caretaker is saying. This helps the audience to feel like they are in the same position as Martins.
At the funeral, there is a 'femme fatale' (Harry Limes mistress) which is extremely generic for a thriller.
The following shot included the iconic introduction of Harry Lime in the doorway. This is a tilt low angle shot of the empty Vienna streets which makes the city look small and vulnerable, as if the city in coming down on top of Martins. The noir lighting in this scene adds to the sense of nightmare which is also generic in a thriller. The tilt shot also emphasises Martins disorientation.
1 comment:
Generally proficient understanding of generic and technical aspects of mise-en-scene.
Avoid "we" and "us", write up analysis in 3rd person. Example: The establishing shot of Holly Martens.......
Re the representation of the femme fatale...try to discuss her inscruitibility, she gives little away to the audience. The facts she is an actress indicates she is familiary with wearing masks.
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