Film Review: Film Noir - Touch of Evil

A unique characteristic of this movie is that there are multiple scenes that are filmed in one shot! The opening scene demonstrates this feat and is accompanied by a jazz, brass piece with a driving rhythm. The music crescendos as the car moves from the parking lot and into the main road, giving the feeling of a more public, bustling and busy atmosphere. The driving rhythm and varied percussion instrumentation is messy and almost chaotic, adding to the hectic atmosphere. Augmenting this sense is the acting: the characters are constantly talking over one another, also providing the story with a racial theme and the tension between Americans and Mexicans. Analyzing the lighting, the use of elongated shadows can be seen throughout the movie, providing each scene with a dramatic, theatrical and sinister feel. Low angle shots are also in abundance throughout the movie, typical in a Film Noir.