Throughout the film both Walter and Phyllis were captured in shots that depicted them as a normal couple. the locations were mainly in a grocery store with the two cast in normal everyday lighting. this concept really added power to the film and aided in further disconcerting the audience, for it was in these settings that the two would discuss the murdering of Phyllis' husband.
However, this shot I feel best casts the two plotters in their natural habitat. The shot has them in Walter's apartment on his couch. They are at a full shot with low contrast lighting. this causes their shadows to be soft which is a smart choice, seeing as the lighting already reflects their dark secret. the blocking for the actors reflects their coolness: the two lounge upon the couch- Walter staring at the ceiling and Phyllis eating- looking as if they haven’t a care in the world.
This shot depicts the overall plot with perfect accuracy. The two meet in secret to plan the murder. They choose to rendezvous in plain sight, so as to avoid any unwanted attention. In this instance, the two meet in secret to confirm their love for each other and to begin plotting the homicide. With the elements of plot, mis en scene, and photography, this scene coins the pure essence of the movie.
Some excellent points, Jeremy, particularly regarding the role of daylight and unthreatening locales in the film. I think you could go a bit farther with your reading of this shot, though. Phyllis is actually putting on lipstick here, and we dissolve into this shot from a closer shot of their embrace. I wonder what you mean by "confirm their love." What implies that in this shot? Have they confirmed at this point, as it were? Also, the horizontal nature of the shot seems to have a storytelling quality about it as well that could be further unpacked. You've observed the elements, but could you further interpret what they seem to say about what has happened and what will happen?
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