The overall setting in the frame consists of a man and woman in a living room or parlor having tea at a small table. Consisting of a couch, desk, lamps, and potted plants in the background, the room is uncluttered and well furnished, connoting a feeling of comfort. In the foreground, the man and woman are in shallow focus, while the background is slightly blurred creating a depth of field allowing the focus to be centered on the character’s physical appearance and facial expressions. Two china teacups, silver teapot, plates, a silver platter, candelabra, cigarettes, and ashtrays sit on the table. The mise-en-scene suggests that the characters have a reasonable amount of wealth, emphasizing their high socioeconomic status and sophisticated lifestyle.
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According to Jane Gaines, costumes contribute to the narrative statements because, “stepping into a costume, [is] like stepping into a role” and “key to the personality of the wearer” (Gaines 184). The man is wearing a pinstriped suit with a button-down shirt. His shirt is unbuttoned, eluding to a sense of informality. The woman is wearing a light-colored loose-fitting dress or blouse. Both of their clothes are stylish and expensive, reaffirming their middle to upper class status. The man has slicked black hair, while the women has shoulder-length hair neatly styled with a deep side-part, ending in curls. Her eyebrows are thinly shaped and arched, while her fashion indicates that she has money. Their hairstyles and makeup depict the popular styles among the middle to upper class in the 1930s and 40s in America, creating the classic Hollywood image. The man has bandages covering most of his face, except his hair and eyes, giving him a mummy-like appearance. The audience may infer that he might have had an accident or burns on his face because the rest of his body is not bandaged. The bandages create mystery because his facial expression remains hidden except for his
According to Jane Gaines, costumes contribute to the narrative statements because, “stepping into a costume, [is] like stepping into a role” and “key to the personality of the wearer” (Gaines 184). The man is wearing a pinstriped suit with a button-down shirt. His shirt is unbuttoned, eluding to a sense of informality. The woman is wearing a light-colored loose-fitting dress or blouse. Both of their clothes are stylish and expensive, reaffirming their middle to upper class status. The man has slicked black hair, while the women has shoulder-length hair neatly styled with a deep side-part, ending in curls. Her eyebrows are thinly shaped and arched, while her fashion indicates that she has money. Their hairstyles and makeup depict the popular styles among the middle to upper class in the 1930s and 40s in America, creating the classic Hollywood image. The man has bandages covering most of his face, except his hair and eyes, giving him a mummy-like appearance. The audience may infer that he might have had an accident or burns on his face because the rest of his body is not bandaged. The bandages create mystery because his facial expression remains hidden except for his