'The Third Man' Sewer Scene Analysis

This analysis starts from 2:00 through to the end of the video.

It starts with a mid shot, which establishes the surroundings, and shows that Lime is in a hurry to shake off the authorities after him. The location of the sewer is perfect, it could suggest that this is were Lime deserves to be, and could be seen as a sewer rat. The high angle of the authorities places them further up the frame, which could suggest they have the power, and authority over Lime. The quick cut backs to the establishing shot suggest that the authorities trying to catch Lime and will even delve into the smelly sewers to get him. 

This shot is an example of a vanishing point shot with a tilt shot. 'The Third Man' is incredibly famous for the tilt shots used in it, and this shot is a fantastic example. The vanishing point acts as the point of danger, it shows that Lime is potentially running into danger. Also the tilt shot (A.K.A Dutch Angle) creates a sense of mystery and could suggest the alienation of Lime within society. This shot is then used again at 2:16, to reinforce his alienation from society. The vanishing shots could have intertextuality with the shots used in 'Essex Boys', when Billy and Jason are driving towards the vanishing pint, and in 'Witness' when Samuel (the boy) is walking towards the vanishing point.

The constant cuts between Lime position and Martins position link the two characters together, and suggest that Martins is out to get answers from Lime. There are also quick cuts between Lime's position and the authorities, showing that they too are after Lime, and will try anything they can to get him.

As Lime tries to escape he comes across some of the authorities. This shot again is an brilliant example of a vanishing shot, as said before this shot represents danger, therefore the authorities are the danger. This could be complete contrast. Lime is seen as the threat throughout the majority of the film, the roles are now reversed and Lime is no longer the threat, the authorities are, this completely reserves the role of Harry Lime in 'The Third Man'. 

As more and more authorities enter the Lime is increasingly getting tired. As the authorities enter the sewer, there are a lot of shots of Lime in claustrophobic spaces. The Claustrophobic shots could suggest that Lime is trapped and has no way of getting, but could also reinforce the fact that he is seen as a sewer rat. This shot also has intertextuality with 'Kill Bill vol 2' Burial Scene, where the bride is trapped in the coffin and it seems to not be able to get out. 

Claustrophobic space in Kill Bill Vol. 2

This is one of the most iconic shots in the whole scene. It fuses a vanishing shot, with the claustrophobic spacing, whilst also silhouetting Lime. Lime is moving towards the vanishing point, which represents danger, and the claustrophobic space helps to reinforce the idea of Lime being trapped.

The constant quick cuts between the holes in the middle of the sewer suggest that Lime is surrounded and there is no way out form, they have got him. Eventually Martins manages to find but not before Lime shoots one of the authorities. Lime gets shot, and starts crawling up the stairs. This shows the sheer desperation of Lime, and the fact that he feels he can escape even though he got shot. The high angle of Lime connotes a drop in power and authority, ultimately it shows Lime as vulnerable and powerless. 

The vanishing shot of Martins very significant. Normally vanishing shots are used to emphasise the danger within the central point, whereas in this case Martins is the danger going towards Lime, the roles are yet again reversed. 

After all of the chasing and running, Martins eventually kills Lime, but doesn't get an answer to why he Lime did what he did.