We recently watched the OTS from 'The Killers' (1946) in our Media Lesson which I have decided to re-watch it, evaluating the stylistic features and to get a taste of traditional film noir conventions. I felt this was necessary because I have just researched into 'Neo-Noir', therefore having that in my mind so close to the exposure of a contrasting take on film noir will aid me in combining the two sets of conventions to create an OTS that sticks to my brief.
Conventional Techniques:
Harsh light & shadows
Credits at beginning
Diegetic Main Title - dramatic & intriguing
Alot of silence to create suspense.
Cheap lighting and studios.
Shots:
Wide shot of location during credits - sets scene, gives the audience a chance to really get a feel of the place.
Panning/Tracking of the two bad guys that are the first characters we see, allows more establishment of the location and the setting of the next scene - the diner.
Match on action as the two men go towards the diner doors and we then see a simple cut to the inside of the diner and the men walk through the door.
Other people in the diner are then established by jump cutting from a view of the two bad guys at more of a distance so you can see the other guy eating his dinner at the counter - this also makes the audience feel as though they are looking through the eyes of someone who is actually there for them moments.
Use of Icons:
Hats to show the status of the bad guys, not taking them off inside emphasized their need to show off this power.
Guns to represent danger approaching, as soon as a gun is shown the audience is put on edge as for them moments, everyones life is at risk.
Overuse of things, mellow dramatic:
Referring to the waiter as a ''Bright boy'' and also the guy down the counter.
The monotonous tone of the bad guys, creating a 'twisted psycho' feel.
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