Scenes We Love: The Third Man
Filed under: Classics, Noir, Trailers and Clips, Scenes We Love
I am someone who is relatively ignorant about the finer points of filmmaking. While I recognize costume and make-up work immediately, when film fans start talking about camera work, lighting and long takes, I feel incredibly stupid. It's not that I don't recognize good work when I see it, but I rarely spot a certain person's signature, or see the strings that point to how it was done. I envy those who do, and I certainly hope I can join the ranks of the very very knowledgable. But for now, I'll just have to say "Well, that certainly was done well" and look the responsible parties up on IMDB.
That's an odd way of introducing this clip, though if you know your The Third Man in and out, I'm sure you'll know the scene I picked and why. It's one of those scenes that immediately thrilled me with its trickery of light and shadows, and it's so simple and classic that I'm certain I shouldn't be impressed. But even without the effects, it's still a pretty wonderful, cat-driven character introduction, startling not just because of the lighting, but because Harry Lime is supposed to be six feet under. You're not sure if he's a ghost or if he's real, but you can't help smiling at Orson Welles' smirk, even as you want to wipe it off his face.
That's an odd way of introducing this clip, though if you know your The Third Man in and out, I'm sure you'll know the scene I picked and why. It's one of those scenes that immediately thrilled me with its trickery of light and shadows, and it's so simple and classic that I'm certain I shouldn't be impressed. But even without the effects, it's still a pretty wonderful, cat-driven character introduction, startling not just because of the lighting, but because Harry Lime is supposed to be six feet under. You're not sure if he's a ghost or if he's real, but you can't help smiling at Orson Welles' smirk, even as you want to wipe it off his face.
_thumbnail.jpg)
'New Moon' Smashes 'Dark Knight's' Opening Day Record!
Black Friday Movie Deals: Best Buy
Sex and Nudity Don't Draw You to the Movies?
What Makes a Real Vampire?
Robert Downey Jr. Wants to Retire?
_thumbnail.jpg)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
8-17-2009 @ 3:17PM
Petro1734 said...
Awesome choice Elizabeth !! So cool! One of my favorites !
Reply
8-18-2009 @ 6:19AM
Rosie said...
Odd you should mention this. I just revisited The Third Man last week for the first time in YEARS. I almost forgot that Orson Welles was even in the movie when the scene you mentioned began. I was floored! Anyway, I remember catching myself smiling as I watched and I thought to myself, "God, I almost forgot how much I love Orson Welles!" What a wonderful scene ... thanks, Elizabeth, for reminding us all.
Reply