Reference no: EM133388822
Exercise: Genre Analysis
As our text explains, ". . . to fully appreciate what genre means from both historical and formal perspectives . . . one needs to be familiar with a very large number of films" (155).
However, since time does not permit our viewing multiple examples of film noir, this exercise has been adapted from the analysis suggested on page 155 of the text. Rather than working with a film you've seen outside of class, we will be working scenes/shots taken fromDouble Indemnity, which is unquestionably one of the best examples of film noir.
Instructions: Select one of the images from the film that have been uploaded to the assignment on the course websiteand embed it into a Word document. Then, based on the assigned readings, "identify the [shot's] mostnoteworthy traits" (155), in this case those associated with the film noir genre. List your observations, in the form of a list, below the embedded image. (See example provided.)
The list of elements below is provided to assist you; includeany and all that may apply to your chosen still.
1. Mise-en-scène (elements in the shot; composition)
a. Color(s) or lack thereof
b. Lighting (high key, low key, chiaroscuro)
c. Location characteristics
d. Can you identify any similarities to other art forms?
e. Do you notice any similarities to any other films you are familiar with?
2. Costume
a. What is Walter wearing?
b. What is Phyllis wearing?
c. How are any other characters dressed?
d. What does their clothing say about them?
3. Makeup
a. Is there anything distinctive about Walter's makeup?
b. Is there anything distinctive about Phyllis' makeup?
c. Other characters' makeup?
4. Character types
a. Walter Neff (Fred McMurray)
b. Phyllis Dietrichson (Barbara Stanwyck)
c. Barton Keyes (Edward G. Robinson)
5. Story Elements
a. What is happening in this shot plot-wise?
b. Daytime scene or night scene
c. Presence or absence of violence
d. Presence or absence of flashbacks
6. Theme(s)
a. Dualities and/or secret identities
b. Double crosses
c. Other themes/ plot devices common tofilm noir