MovieChat Forums > The Fortune Cookie (1966) Discussion > Use of Mirrors

Use of Mirrors

posted 20 years ago by jescci
7 replies | jump to latest

Was rewatching this minor classic on cable recently and noticed the abundant use of mirrors.

Mathau's character discreetly checks out the private eye across the street using his cigarette case mirror, there's a mirror on the inside of a kitchen cabinet door which reflects a box of Cheerios whem Boom Boom opens it, Lemmon's ex-wife's image is perfectly framed in a bedroom mirror in a shot where she's sitting up in bed ... and others.

Was this some sort of symbol? Like you can't escape the truth/yourself. You've always got to face the man in the mirror.

Is it a recurring convetnion in Wilder's film's?

It's too prevalent here to be an accident, imo

Do you know that guy?
No. But he's a dick.

[–] terrythomas 18 years ago

Don't know whether or not there's an actual symoblic reason for the mirrors being used, but I DO think it's an idea that's used to great effect in the movie. IMO, THE FORTUNE COOKIE is one of Billy Wilder's most elegantly shot films, something I think a lot more people would realize were it not for the "seediness" of the subject matter (an insurance scam, the squalor of the surroundings, the graniness of the black and white photography).

[–] outsider-2 15 years ago

Theres a great shot of West in the window when Lemmon is talking with her. Its so faint that at first I thought it was a goof!

[–] WarpedRecord 14 years ago

Yes, I remember that scene. Many times I looked at the mirror and expected to see the camera (of the filmmakers, not the spies), but clearly Wilder planned it this way. Very well orchestrated.

[–] Ethereal-Cloud 12 years ago

Speaking of the camera, the assistant camera man (with the battery pack?) during the football game was standing next to Harry, in the next frame he's sitting in a chair when Harry gets hit. Someone should add that to the 'Goofs' section.

[–] WarpedRecord 12 years ago

Great catch! I didn't notice that one.

[–] lrcdmnhd72 10 years ago

Hi Ethereal-Cloud

Jack Lemmon's(Harry Hinkle) TV camera On/Off switch was turned on(forward) when he started to film Boom-Boom's punt return run, but was switched off(to the rear) when Hinkle was hit by Boom-Boom seconds later.

[–] stevenvh 13 years ago

Was this some sort of symbol?

No, I don't think so.

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