Page 192 - A Handbook Genre Studies in Mass Media

PRODUCTION ELEMENTS

Figure 7.1 Use of Lighting in Film Noir

This shot of Sam Spade (Humphrey Bogart) from The Maltese Falcon is an example
of how the genre of film noir makes use of lighting for dramatic purposes. (Photo by
Warner Bros./Getty)
Philip Marlowe sits in a dark room, pondering the confused maze of
events he is being asked to clarify. Suddenly he sits up, the pieces of
the puzzle finally coming together. At that moment a light from outside
the window is illuminated, providing a visualization for his moment of
recognition.

Shape

Shape refers to a geometric form such as a circle, square, triangle. The
shape of objects convey messages.

• The circle is associated with endlessness, wholeness, and protection.
• A square is precise, consisting of horizontal and vertical directions.
• A triangle consists of radical angles. It is associated with motion,
conflict, tension, and power.

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