Third Man analysis

This classic film-noir was made in 1949 and has given inspiration for many directors when filming thrillers as very effective thriller conventions are used. The soundtrack is 'The Harry Lime Theme' which is a cultural signifier as it is played with an Austrian instrument, this shows where the film could be set. It also could tell you about the enigma character Harry Lime, maybe is shows he's a mischievous character and the strings to be ironic and symbolise that he pulls strings to get him far in life.
                                                                   Iconic costumes are shown in this noir thriller, including an overcoat and trilby hat which have become a somewhat generic costume for other thrillers, for example it is shown in Once Upon a Time in America worn by one of the main characters.

   This film noir is set in Vienna as shown in the picture the ice is split which could represent that Vienna is broken, it was a world that had physically and morally fallen into pieces. This setting was a great place for Third Man to be filmed to show a story of social and moral corruption. The black market was thriving and it was also packed with refugees at the time which fit perfectly within the story adding realism to the film and making the setting perfect for creating a tense mysterious thriller film. This shot shows a real corpse and a sinking boat which represents Vienna as a place in stress and a city full of corruption. Tilted angle shots were used to reflect the state of the ruined, fractured and dark city.

 Evidence which shows the lack of laws followed is a close up shot showing the black market theme where there are several watches on one of the characters arm.

Effective shots

There is a particularly effective shot in this film where first see the character Holly Martins makes his way to Harry's apartment, he walks under a ladder leaning against the front of the residence. This shows that luck may not be on the cards for Holly as walking under a ladder signifies bad luck. It is a slight low angle shot and it shows Holly craning his neck up to the building showing that he is too caught up in whatever's going on inside his head to notice that he's walking under a ladder.








This next shot now introduces us to the famous character Harry Lime, there is a slight shadow on his face showing that he could have two sides to his personality, maybe one could be a dark side. He is shown here looking dominant yet mysterious as well showing he's a complex character.Chiaroscuro lighting is used here as you the light on Harry's face and the dark shadow behind him.