How does the director of The Third Man use mise en scene convey different connotations?

The Third Man uses lighting and location to reflect the hopelessness of the post war period in the sewer scene which is set in the sewers of Vienna. Vienna was the location of the film, it was chosen because of its division at the time and the city symbolises mistrust, failed communication and separation, because of the events of the war, which were perfect for The Third Man. 

This shot is dark and the only light source comes from the exit, which isn't in the frame. On one hand it could convey hope as the only light comes from the exit or escape, implying that the character will make it out of the sewer and escape capture. On the other hand it could suggest entrapment as the darkness is surrounding or trapping the light, which could imply that the character won't make it out. Also, these could be representative of the time it was filmed and the time it is set as it could represent the trapped but hopeful feelings of the people during the post-war period. Secondly, the lines of the shot lead out of the frame, which create distorted shapes in the frame, which could represent chaos or disorientation, this links with what is happening in the scene. The messy and cluttered feel the shot is giving through the shapes and leading lines could be representative of the feelings of the character trying to escape.



Space is used in this shot to convey isolation and helplessness, as the character is surrounded by a huge empty darkness through a long shot. The darkness surrounding him could represent his morality and his vulnerability in this part of the film and could also be representing the helplessness of the people recovering from the war. Additionally, the lines lead out of the frame to convey entrapment which is reinforced by the placing of the shot, which is close to the edge of the sewer wall, creating a claustrophobic feeling. In this shot there is also a single light source which could also represent hope or reinforce entrapment or isolation. In each shot the light could be seen to be guiding the character through the maze of the sewers, reinforcing hope in the shot. 

This shot shows the character standing in front of the only source of light in the shot, this could suggest that the character has a dark side and is untrustworthy, which is reinforced by previous shots showing large shadows and by the events. This could link to the symbolism of Vienna and the sewers, as Vienna represents mistrust and division and the sewers symbolise the darkness or evil under the city of Vienna or Europe. Alternatively, the character blocking out the light could symbolise that there is no hope left, reinforced by the darkness swallowing the light at the edges, creating a slightly claustrophobic feeling as well. 

Varying shapes and diagonal lines of the spiral staircase trap the character in the frame and the high angle of the shot create a sense of hopelessness and symbolise the characters loss of power in the scene, reinforced by his central position in the frame, which also reinforces the feelings of entrapment. The lack of contrast and light in the shot emphasises the character's defeat and vulnerability, it represents that all hope is lost. Once again linking to the post war period and the time it was set, conveying the general feelings of vulnerability and hopelessness.