Review of Sweet Smell of Success (1957) by Steven L — 07 Dec 2012
One storytelling strategy Mackendrick uses in Sweet Smell of Success is composition to emphasize character development. For example, the fearful, weak Susan, is often smaller within the frame, while Hunsecker consistently take up more space, reflecting his dominance and power.
Mackendrick also uses mise-en-scene to illuminate elements of character. This film was conceived just three years prior to McCarthyism and there was great fear within the country of a Communist and Chinese takeover.
In the media, Asians were depicted as inscrutable and deceptive. Hunseckerâ(TM)s house is not only massive and dark, but contains Oriental furniture and dà (C)cor, such as large lamps and a statue of a Buddha.
These elements work to reinforce Hunseckerâ(TM)s villainess traits.
This review of Sweet Smell of Success (1957) was written by Steven L on 07 Dec 2012.
Sweet Smell of Success has generally received very positive reviews.
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