In the concluding sequence of Touch of Evil (Orson Welles, 1958) the partner of corrupt cop Quinlan (Welles) is wearing a wire to collect evidence for honest cop Vargas (Charlton Heston)
Discussion Questions
After watching this clip from Touch of Evil, consider the questions below. Then submit your response.
1. While much of the film uses tracking shots, this sequence uses editing to show the difficulty of tracking Quinlan. Make sketches of two sets of more juxtaposed shots. How are angles and compositional elements used to relate frame to frame?
2. The name film noir was given to a cycle of postwar films whose themes were as dark as their lighting schemes. Comment on cinematographer Russell Metty’s use of darkness in this scene.