Medium close-ups analysis

The anxious expression on Walter’s face represents the tension of the scene where the couple attempts to start the car. Billy Wilder showcases how they have lost their sanity and morals in the pursuit of passion and money.

In this photo, Walter Neff and Phyllis Dietrichson are attempting to start their car to drive away from the train station. They have left the corpse of Mr. Dietrichson on the train tracks. Phyllis has just failed to start the car three times and it isn’t until Walter turns the key that the engine turns on.

Big close-ups and extreme close-ups are used to demonstrate anxiety or discomfort. This frame is two medium close-ups, but it still conveys the anxiety and depravity of its subjects with their worried expressions. Walter’s creased eyebrows and forehead show that he is anxious to leave Mr. Dietrichson behind for the road. Phyllis doesn’t have any apparent expression, but it is implied that she is also anxious from Walter’s expression and the previous moments of this scene. Additional anxiety is conveyed with the help of tense instrumental music.

The diagonal orientation can be interpreted as representing how these two people are crooked and unhinged, lacking sanity or a working moral compasses. It is not normal to lean your head to one side in the driver’s seat or front passenger’s seat, but these people are not normal. They have forsaken their consciences when they decided to kill someone for an insurance payment.

Phyllis is noticed first because her face has the lightest colors, takes up a lot of space, and is put close to the center. Her prominence in the frame can represent how she has power in her relationship with Walter: she approaches Walter in his own apartment, hastens the killing of Mr. Dietrichson, and attempts to kill her daughter and Walter when things don’t go her way.

Walter is noticed second because his face is off to the side, is darker in color, and takes up less space. Although the tissue paper on his leg isn’t visible in this frame, it is still noticeable because it is an object that is moved around in this scene. Walter's position of being placed off to the side can represent how he is a follower in his relationships with Phyllis. He agrees to the scheme of killing Mr. Dietrichson for insurance money because of his love for Phyllis and agrees to the faster killing deadline that she suggests.