How are metaphorical spaces used to create meaning in the opening of Essex Boys?

Figure 1

The tunnel in figure 1 is a metaphorical space, as it could symbolise the protagonist's transition into criminality. Connotations of danger and immorality are created by the dark mise en scene. The contrasting neon lighting is intense and could present the harshness of the character's lives. The vanishing point of the tunnel is off-center, which creates a sense of uncertainty.

Figure 2

The bars of light in figure 2 create a sense of claustrophobia and present that the character may feel trapped in the dreariness of his surroundings. They are also suggestive of prison bars, which could foreshadow his fate as he enters the world of crime. Additionally, the protagonist is in focus and the rule of thirds is used which positions us with the character.

Figure 3

The washed-out colour palette of the bleak setting in figure 3 connotes misery and hopelessness. The vanishing point of the path is off-center, which creates a sense of disorientation and suggests a lack of direction in the desperate lives of the characters. Figure 3 is an extreme long shot, which emphasises the barrenness of the expansive marsh and presents the unnamed character as small in comparison; this reinforces the character's powerless as he appears weak and insignificant, presenting themes of disillusionment and hopelessness.

Edited 31/01/17: How are conventions of film noir used in the opening of Se7en?

Influenced by the opening of Se7en, we will similarly begin with diegetic sound over a black screen to suggest an enigma, plus create a sense of anticipation and tension. We will also choose an urban location for our film because this is conventional for the thriller genre and can symbolise danger. Additionally, the diegetic sound of a metronome in the opening of Se7en effectively creates a sense of suspense and we will use a similar sound in the form of a ticking watch within our film opening.

How does the sewer scene in The Third Man use mise en scene to create meaning?

Figure 1

As displayed in figure 1, the confined space of the sewer location in this scene creates a sense of claustrophobia. This reflects the paranoia of the period following World War II. This dark meaning is emphasised by the harsh chiaroscuro lighting, which is a common convention of film noir, presenting a feeling of enclosing darkness and evil. The intense lighting silhouettes the character (Harry Lime) which presents him as enigmatic. However, the vanishing point is centralised in the shot which creates a sense of finality which could foreshadow his approaching demise.

Figure 2

Figure 2 is an extreme long shot which presents the large size of the sewer. This presents Lime as small and insignificant in comparison, symbolising the disillusionment and existentialism which America was experiencing during the 1940s and 1950s. This also suggests that the character is vulnerable and isolated. Furthermore, there is an off-screen vanishing point which creates an unsettling atmosphere. Additionally, the dark shadows cast across the floor connote danger.

Figure 3

A canted angle is utilised in figure 3, which creates a sense of chaos and disorientation. This was a conventional feature of German Expressionism, a movement which influenced film noir. The lack of balance in the shot reinforces the character's panic because Lime is at the far left of the frame so appears trapped.

Figure 4

Figure 4 is a high angle shot, which conveys the weakness and helplessness of the character. His face is illuminated which highlights his petrified expression and this is emphasised by its position near the centre of the shot. The matrix of diagonal lines from the steps and railings which surround the character appear like a net, reinforcing the sense of claustrophobia and presenting the character as powerless.