In the film “The Third Man” the director uses the actor’s positioning in the light and shadows to confirm the audience’s growing suspicion of the evil deeds Harry Lime does to maintain power and wealth.  

        About half way through the movie, the audience learns the truth of the horrifying actions Harry Lime does to make his money and to feel as if he is in power.  His fingerprints on viles prove he is responsible for diluting penicillin, which in turn kills the people who use it.  As the movie progresses Harry Lime’s image get worse and his power becomes less.  When Holly Martins finally is able to talk to him face-to-face, Harry’s body positioning reaffirms the evil image that was painted for the audience.  In this scene, Holly has his back facing the camera but his head is turned left in a way to subconsciously hint to the audience that he is harmful.  His body is casted under dark shadow, but his face is lit up from the sun shining through the windows.  The positioning of the shadow covering the majority of his body and the sly, confident way he talks to Holly in this confrontation represents the dark, evil actions he does to keep his power over people.  His confident voice reflects his attitude that he isn’t sorry for what he’s done, in fact, he thinks faking his death was genius.  When the bright sunlight covers only his face it can represent an interrogation room.  Harry is put on the spot by Holly and all the questions he imposes, just like an interrogation room.  When Harry finds out the police know that it isn’t him buried, the sunlight highlights the nervousness and lack of confidence that hits him in that moment.  In the smallest moment of panic the bright light is able to enhance that feeling of lack of power Harry Lime felt.  This lighting and body positioning confirms the evil picture painted of Harry throughout the movie, it shows how he used harmful ways to gain his power over others.      

Snow White

In Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, I noticed that Snow White was depicted as the stereotypical woman.  Through the cinematic techniques the audience sees how Snow White encompasses many of the characteristics of a stereotypical woman, such as being gentle, nurturing, cleaning house, and having the need to be rescued by a strong handsome man. 

The characteristics of being gentle and nurturing are portrayed through the sound and lighting.  Snow White voice is higher pitched giving her a friendly feel to the audience.  Her voice is also soft, letting the audience and characters in the movie know she is inviting, caring, and gentle.  The lighting around Snow White brings out the warm yellow color of her clothes to give the whole atmosphere a calm feel to it. 

Because Snow White seems to inviting and friendly the animals lead her to the dwarfs’ home.  When she enters she instantly notices how dusty it is and all the laundry lying around.  This is shown to the audience from the camera panning around the room and tilting when displaying the high piles of dirty dishes.  Her first reaction is feeling bad because they don’t have a mother to do the cleaning and to take care of the house, so she feels it is now her obligation to do the dishes, sweep the floors, and get rid of all the cob webs.  This depiction is a stereotypical woman trait.

In the end Snow White is saved from death by the price.  In this scene the lighting around her depicts her beauty that the prince was drawn to in the first place.  The price is first seen from a low angle making the audience feel as if he is powerful and able to help.  After the kiss and her eyes open the music picks up pace for a joyful feeling.  Without question she leaves with the price for a happy ending.  Snow White’s stereotypical helplessness and need to be rescued is what this movie depicts as the only way to have a happy ending.  

I have enjoyed all the TED talks so far, but Hanna's TED talk really got my attention. 

Hanna delivered it perfectly.  Her speaking was very smooth, it was the right speed and the perfect volume.  Her whole presentation was organized and easy to follow.  She incorporated funny and difficult memories which I felt gave her presentation a well-rounded representation of all the roles being a big sister requires you to be.  I liked how she explained the roles in a lot of detail and with examples.  I also really liked the use of pictures.  Her whole presentation flowed really smoothly and you could really tell how much being a big sister meant to her. 

Although I don't have an older sister, I do have an older brother who I am really close with.  Throughout her presentation and the stories she told it reminded me of my brother and similar situations that we've gone through.  Even though she is in the opposite position in a sibling relationship I was still able to relate it to my own older brother to see where their actions are similar and where they are different

Overall I think Hanna did a great job! She was really easy to listen to and she kept me intrigued the whole time.