Film Noir Images:
I chose this image as I find the harsh shadow of light creating a tense atmosphere interesting. I think that this is a successful still image as the character is positioned in the ‘sweet point’ for the rule of thirds. The way that the man is in focus and everything in the background is out of focus draws your attention to the foreground containing the detail of the character, also the way that the character has been positioned to the wall follows the lines of perspective. The lights in the background are blurred and out of focus which conveys the idea that something mysterious is happening. You also get the feel as though something mysterious is happening as the characters face is dark and hidden to the audience.
This image is of ‘Shadows of window blinds fall upon private eye Jake Gittes’, performed by Jack Nicholson, in ‘Chinatown’ (1974). The character in this image is portrayed as though he is engaged in a serious conversation opposed to a pleasant or light hearted one. The black and white in the image are in a harsh contrast, you can see this with the characters outfit and the background of the image, and you can also see the shadows of the blinds falling on the characters suit. The shadows are thin and fade as the characters body gets further away from the blinds. When you first look at the image your eye is drawn to the character as he is the only part of the image in light. Through analysing this image I have learnt that by using lighting correctly you can make an object or person appear to stand out from the background.