Analysis Of The Opening Scenes In One Upon A Time in America (1984)

The concealment of the majority of her face highlights the parts that are visible while the light reflecting off the pearl necklace is a good use of chiaroscuro.

The light of the lamp is the same colour as her clothing, this connotes that there is some kind of symbiosis between the woman and the lamp. This is further implied when the light is turned out after she is killed. The rule of thirds is also used effectively.

The angle of the shot connotes that the men are in a much more powerful position. Also, her prone body at the bottom of the shot frames the rest of the scene very well, emphasising the importance of the men. Examples of typical noir style clothing are present, as this wass the most common type of clothing at the time the film is set.

A shot of the elevator shaft with the elevator descending connotes a sense of claustrophobia. This shows that the general outlook of the film is negative as several tragic events take place in a short time at the beginning of the film.

A canted worm’s eye first person view connotes several things. For example, the canted angle of the shot shows that the person from whom the view is being taken is disoriented. Also, the very low worm’s eye shot shows the man to be much stronger and more powerful.

Briefcases are a typical aspect of thrillers, especially noir, as they connote mystery. It is impossible to know what is in a briefcase without opening it and an entire story can be based on wanting to know what is in a suitcase alone.

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