9 Frame Analysis Regarding

Composition & Mise-en-scene

Sunset Boulevard

1

This is a shot at 1:33 from the title sequence of Sunset Boulevard. The noir feel is introduces immediately as we see the old fashioned cards drive past in low key black and white lighting. The shadowy contrasty sky is a key element of noir is this shot.

2In this shot a number of people are shown in low key black and white. In terms of costume we can see that a lot of police men are presented in a high angle long shot. Also along with the non-diegetic narration about the press, a press member with a old fashioned camera, iconography, can be seen.

3In this long shot we can see a dead body in the pool which immediately represents crime and murder – a key element in noir. Again the high angle shows the number of police investigating doing detective work – another key theme in noir films. The trilby hat of the photographer represents noir in terms of mise-en-scene under the costume.

4In this shot we see the gang of police man crowded around chatting about the murder. The high angle is still being used and in terms of composition the investigators and photographer are filling half of the frame with the dead body being alone in half of the frame. The smart suits and old fashioned police uniforms are a key element in this still.

5In this still the police and investigators are crowded around the victim. The victim is centered and fills the majority of the frame with the police looking over him. This is a low angle which is usually what is used in noir style films along with high angled and cantered angles.

6

After the photograph was taken a flashback occurred to reveal the narrative of the story and explain things to the audience with the help of narration. Another high angle is used with a long shot and reveals the location showing old fashioned cars in a town center street – a key location for noir style films.

7In this still of the flashback we see a man using an old fashioned typewriter. A lot of iconography is used here with the type writer and then the ashtray with the cigarettes next to him – smoking being a key element. Also this shot is entered through the window casting interesting shadows and contrasts – a famous concept of noir style films. He is also centrally framed and the main subject in the shot.

8In this still the noir style is captured because of the composition and mise-en-scene. Both men have equal rule of thirds and have ½ of the frame each. The mans shadow is against the wall making a contrasty shadowy shot. Also the man sat down is smoking which is a key iconic factor in noir.

9In this still the woman is centrally framed between the men. In terms of her appearance she has the 50’s style pin up hair representing the type of females in noir. They all have 1/3 of the frame in this shot but as the woman is centered is relates into meaning as she is seeking both the males attention.