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.