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



In this shot matrices are used to create a sense of entrapment with the use of high angles and diagonal lines connoting the loss power and perpetuating a sense of fear. The winding of the staircase suggests disorientation and confusion, this could be a metaphor for power and how the character is desperately trying to escape. 

                              

The extreme long shot emphasises the isolation within the sewer, this arrays a common theme in film noir of a male anti-hero character, foreshadowing the isolation and secrecy within post war society. The character in the shot is displayed as small in comparison to the surroundings, this exaggerates the characters vulnerability to what he is hiding from. 



     

   

Matrices are also used in this image, with the use of diagonal lines creating confusion. The geometry encloses the character into the setting creating a maze like setting, causing a metaphorical claustrophobia being stuck in the space. Furthermore, the large shadow emphasises the protagonists evil side being the character which absorbs the most space within the shot.

     

 




In one of the final shots of the sewer scene chiaroscuro is used to silhouette the character, to present their darker side however still surrounding the character through a tunnel of darkness. The stable onscreen vanishing point brings a concluded end to the manic action previous.