Tuesday, October 19, 2010
L.A. Confidential and Double Indemnity stills
Besides the fact that these two images are basically mirror images, there are other ways in which they are related. Each character is dressed to the stereotypes of the time. Phyllis and Lynn both have the shoulder-length, blonde, wavy hair with thin eyebrows and accentuated lips. The men, Walter and Ed are both in suits with a short buzz cut. Even though these characters have completely different occupations, they all fit the gender stereotypes. Both picture also have the female in the light and the male in the shadow. In these moments, the expressions of the women are most important or pivotal. We can see the worry in Phyllis' face and a somewhat concerned, serious look in Lynn's face. Finally, both of these shots are interior shots. Interior shots suggest that the scene involves intimate emotions and moments between the characters. If both of these scenes were outside in public, the following events might not have happened: Walter killing Phyllis or Ed sleeping with Lynn.
The End!!
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Jackie, A nice discussion of the women who dominate these stills. It'd be nice to label the shots as close ups (CU), and to offer more context (you hint at plot in final sentence). Be careful with your interpretive leaps. Interior spaces MAY suggest emotions/psychological states, but in art and in life this is not always the case.
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