Double Indemnity Frame Analysis

 


This shot is a medium-long shot, including the characters Walter Neff, Keyes, and Mr. Jackson. Mr. Jackson is talking to Keyes and Walter is standing behind them with a distraught or perplexed look on his face. Walter’s arms are also crossed and his hand is over his mouth while he glances at Mr. Jackson, which leads viewers to believe he is made anxious or uncomfortable by the current topic of conversation. Viewer’s eyes are first led to Keyes due to the contrast of his vest and his shirt. Also, the white shadow on the upper third of the frame are leading lines which direct viewers attention to Keyes’ head. Keyes and Walter are located on the third lines of the frame, and Mr. Jackson is placed right in the middle of the frame. Keyes is closer to the camera making him look bigger, and Mr. Jackson doesn’t look very worried. Walter is the only one in the frame who looks nervous. Also, Keyes and Mr. Jackson both have white shirts, which may be used to symbolize their innocence. Walter is wearing a grey suit which may imply his undertones of guilt. This frame also includes a triangle of vision lines beginning with Mr. Jackson, leading to Keyes, then to Walter and back to Mr. Jackson. These vision lines can show what they are thinking, in accompaniment with their facial expressions. I believe the director incorporated all of this intentionally in the frame to thoroughly portray the feelings Walter is experiencing while Keyes and Mr. Jackson have this conversation.

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