Cinemascope


Nunnally Johnson's static camerwork has already been noted here. But, there is another issue: Cinemascope, specifically early Cinemascope. It was only in its second or so year. And, the lenses were in their infancy.

You can especially tell here. The warping of the image at the edges. Subjects are utterly squeezed when they appear on the sides of the screen. And, when there is panning, there is that bizarre funhouse-mirror effect, where the image warps, from the center being in proper proportion, and the edges squeezing what you see.

Johnson not realizing that issue only makes it worse by allowing people to populate the edges of the screen for entire scenes.

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There are so many interior scenes in this movie. I don't think Cinemascope did anything for interior scenes anyway. The military parade at the beginning looks good. Those are the sort of scenes Cinemascope does offer something to.

BTW I liked that Marilyn Monroe 'Niagara' poster in shot when the soldier meets his girl, shortly after the parade. I hadn't scene that poster before. Marilyn in the red dress with Joseph Cotten in a hat, in the background, staring grimly at her.

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