comparisons

For this assignment, I chose two shots from the films "LA Confidential" and "Double Indemnity" that show the main characters and their partners. Since the upload function is disabled for now, I will put up links.
LA Confidential
Double Indemnity
In the shot from "LA Confidential," we see Bud White and Lynn Bracken first enter her private bedroom right before they have their kiss scene. Some notable characteristics of this shot include the shadows caused by the rays of sunlight coming from the windows giving the scene a very soft, quiet, calming character. The characters are in the shadows along with the majority of the setting. Only a small portion of the wall is lit up from the sunshine. Also, Bud White does not look like the typical police man in this shot. Rather, he looks more relaxed, comfortable, and casual. This is the polar opposite of who Bud White is in the rest of the movie. He is tender rather than violent and soft rather than harsh.

Similarly, in the shot from "Double Indemnity," we see Walter Neff and Phyllis Dietrichson at his apartment unit before their kiss as well. In contrast to the previous shot however, the two characters are illuminated and are in the dark shadows showing the stark difference. Phyllis almost seems to have a heavenly essence to her. She is looking up to Walter in a helpless manner which suggests the typical gender roles of this era. Walter provides her with stability (looking at his grip on her hand) as well as protection.

In both shots actually, the female characters are looking at the males with a sense of admiration & helplessness. Bud White & Walter Neff both offer the females with "a way out" and a solution to their lives.