Third Man

Director: Carol Reed

Country Made: Vienna

Awards: Won 3 Nominated for 3

Copy of Review: One of the most famous British motion pictures of all time, and voted favourite by the members of the BFI, Carol Reed's "The Third Man" is a must-see drama/thriller now out on the new Warner Bros DVD release. (BBCi DVD Review)

User Rating: 8.5/10

The use of Mise en Scene used throught The Third Man uses many generic features used in a thriller film, in the opening sequence there is a canted close up shot of a suitcase, this gives the feel of everything seeming un-natural and the world disorientated. In the suitcase are some black shoes which are important as they highlight the black market of Vienna. There is also a shot of a man with watches up his arm to show the crime of Vienna as it's seen as dangerous, which is also shown in the unglamerous shot of the body in the river to allowing the audience see Vienna as a dangerous place to be.

Showing this in the opening sequence shows Vienna as a place full of corruption and treachery. In the thriller there is music whichs uses a contrast which is lively and makes the whole series of events appear as just a joke. Rather than more sinister and and dark to buid the tension.

There is voiceover used in the opening and throughout the film, this is used in thrillers such as essex boys and fight club. The voice over for The Third Man is a British army captain which is significant to the time the history of the film as it was during the War that this film was set.

The main character Holly Martins is introduced wearing Generic costume of a thriller character, he is shown wearing a long black coat, trilby hat and carrying a briefcase. This shows his importance and mystery as a character as the hat and coat allow him to hide himself and the briefcase is always a reference of mystery and importance.

As Holly Martins is looking for Harry Lime he seen walking uder a ladder, this is ironic as it suggests his character to be expeirencing a lot of bad luck throughout the film.

Stairs are used throughout The Third Man and are a signifier of danger as there's the feeling people can fall down them or the spindels can be used to make the character look imprisoned or vulnerable.

The Third Man also uses shadow through non-ambient lighting to show mystery and danger in characters.