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.