In the Double Indemnity shot starring Lola, she is sitting in Walter Neph's office expressing her concerns to Walter over her father's death. Lola, like many other film stars throughout history, is a pretty blond girl. This gives Lola a more innocent features, as well as makes her look more like the stereotypical vulnerable woman. In addition, the bright lighting from the outside and her all black dress serve to further highlight her innocence and beauty. The black dress is bland and boring, forcing you to glance up at her face that is a sharp contrast to the dress. Furthermore, the lighting from outside hits her face and the wall directly behind her. The lighting seems to brighten her blond hair to make it seem even more beautiful than before while also the lighting behind seems to give her a holy-like appearance to further display her benign nature.
While Lola's entire appearance in this shot seems to be genuine and natural, Lynn's similar appearance is entirely forced and carefully constructed. Lynn also has blond hair and beautiful looks that make her very innocent and desirable to men as well as to the eyes of the audience. While the black part of the hood makes us also focus on the face, the lights behind her and the shiny outline of her hood serves to almost increase her beauty. Although Lynn's appearance in this shot is nearly identical to Lola's, it holds completely different meaning. Lola communicates genuine innocence, beauty, and vulnerability. On the other hand, Lynn sly personality and shady profession make us wary of the actuality of her outfit. Instead of the innocent look she is going for, her efforts make her look more deceiving and fake.
Elliot, Your comments about Lola are generally sound, but you might also consider camera angle (high angle MS)and the striating effect of the blinds. You say the black dress suggests innocence. Maybe. it's certainly more conservative attire than Lynn's dress, but you never mention she is in mourning.
ReplyDeleteLynn is shot in a closeup. Context (X-mas eve, liquor store) might help and of course the POV: Bud is looking at her -- through the lens of his savior complex and the childhood trauma he underwent.