Textual analysis - The Maltese Falcon

The Maltese Falcon - Opening Scene:


- Here I have chosen to reseach a more traditional noir from the time when they were at their peak in popularity, to give me a wide view at the genre as a whole.
- The opening titles are very simplistic with an image that has names over the top, this may simply be due to the fact this film was made in 1941 and there was not many alternatives
- The filming also is very simplistic, with no odd angles or breaks in continuity. This adds to the realism of the film and implies it is uncovering the stories hidden behind everyday life.
- The opening shots pan the city and set the scene while non-digetic music plays.
- In this scene I have seen much more dialogue than in previous, more modern noirs. Possibly to allow for further understanding of the main character(s).
- This film indefinately endeavours to uncover the true nature of it's main character, and to expose him including his flaws to the audience. Even in this opening scene there is strong hints toward him being a womaniser.
- Noirs do tend to focus around one man, who is often a private investigator or authority figure who reaches a tragic end due to some fatal flaw in his character, much like the tragedy genre of plays.
- These films also show deviant behaviour, with scenes that would of made the audience of the time uncomfortable. It is this deviant behaviour that allows us greater understanding of the main character who is often portrayed as an anti hero or protagonist. Showing that noirs do not use one dimensional characters but instead explore the psyche and create complex characters who the audience will react to in different ways, and may not necessarily like.
- With the phone call from Mrs. Archer we are shown what may lead to the downfall of our anti hero, these insightful hints are less obvious in modern noirs but are definately still there.
- Later in the scene there are some close up shots of the phone, at odd angles which also seems to be a recurring feature in noir films; close up shots at odd angles.

(Stopped analysing when Mr. Archer picks up the phone)