Narrative Image: The Man Who Wasn't There

The narrative image on a DVD cover can be constructed in the following ways:

(Signifiers & Signified)

Camera:

-Medium Close up: You can see his expression, but still see other things happening around him and can see the scenery he is in.

- Lit from the left, the right of his face in shadow. Also lit from behind his right shoulder (as we look at him): The light from the left could be either a street lamp or light from a window, due to the brightness of the light I think it is probably night time. Another factor that adds to this idea is the light from behind his right shoulder is in line with where the cars headlights would be, and the car wouldn't have headlights on if it was day time and light.

Mise-en-scene:

-White male, wearing a suit and a hat which is tipped slightly downwards, top button loose with a cigarette hanging from his mouth: He is wearing a suit so is probably well off or in a good job. He has a hat on, which is possibly to shadow his face and shield his identity. His top button is loose and he has a cigarette so he probably isn't just waiting quickly for someone, he has been there a long time and is trying to relax.

- He is in a car, steering wheel is at front of frame and he is leant back in his seat: The steering wheel helps to set the scene of the car. He is leant back in his seat either because he is relaxed and making himself comfortable, or trying to keep his face in shadow to hide from somebody, he isn't meant to be there. The car with his posture connotes a stake out, his outfit also adds to the idea of him possibly being a detective.

- It is a black and white picture: It is set in possibly 50s/60s, it is an old film.

- The car in the side window is blurred: That car is moving, not his car, he is parked. He also isn't touching the steering wheel which supports this idea.

- Around the picture itself is writing above it and below it: It frames the picture so the picture looks like you are looking in through the front windscreen (which you are supposed it), the writing just helps emphasise this by giving it borders.

- List of actors and directors: Having a list of directors and actors above and below would draw in the audience, it advertises not only the film but the actors and directors to help consolidate the genre.

People:

- White male, in his 30s/40s, wearing a suit: He looks like a well off man who has possibly just come from work.

- Narrowed eyes, staring intently: He is really focusing on what he is watching, he is possibly trying to figure out who someone is or is slightly shocked and intrigued by what he has seen.

- Leant back against the seat: He is relaxed, comfortable and calm.

- He is looking to our right: He is looking out of the window at something in particular, concentrating on a particular person or what they are doing.

- His head is slightly tilted, the cigarette in his mouth is drooping: He is intrigued by what he can see and is concentrating on that. His cigarette is drooping because he isn't thinking about it, he is distracted by what he has seen and is watching intently.

- He has wrinkles: He may have a stressful job such as a detective, also shows his age.

What is the narrative image of the film and how is it constructed through the DVD cover?

The narrative image of the film isn't overly apparent through the cover. It shows you that it is an old film with a possible detective theme running through it. The DVD cover is used mainly to raise questions within the audience and get them intrigued to make them watch the film. His intent stare is specifically used to make you want to see what he is looking at.