Motifs

A Motif is a recurring element in a film that helps to develop a major theme in a film. A motif is usually symbolic in some way, but does not have to be. In film, a motif is typically a repeated idea, action, pattern, or image.

Symbolic motifs are used throughout many films, for example  in the well know film 'The Noir' a dark street in the early hours of the morning clearly indicates a mysterious and sudden atmosphere and that something will arise, this is then immediately followed up with intermittent flashing of neon signs.

The sense of flashing signifies danger and alert therefore one can assume that something will arise furthermore the director clearly shows this by making every shot in glistening low key, all of these indication just and up to the atmosphere of the whole eerie and mysterious sense of danger which will found out ourselves.

As out of nowhere a man appears covered in darkness this clearly symbolises his emotions and characteristics shows him to be a very dark heartless human being.

Another motif found in,'The Noir' are the diverse photographic images used throughout the film is the symbolic image of unsettle disorientation which could symbolise the emasculated darken characters personality in the film.

In particular, the compositional balance within the frame is very disruptive  and very nerving in two shots that show the characters relationships with one another in addition the uncommon off angle which are uncommon in the frame so therefore this creates the symbolic sense of a mind frame  of a psychopath which we see throughout many two shots.

Two shot in the frame sets clearly captures the symbolic image of psychopaths disturbed mind set. 

Choker close-ups, framing the head or chin,; are obtrusive and disturbing. These are sometimes used on the menacing heavy, other  times reserved to show the couple-on-the-run whose intimacy is threatened or invaded.

In addition in these frames we truly witness the idea of a patriarchal society, as throughout frames we see the male character as a dominant figure and authoritative role, to emphasise that men are in a position of authority.

Close frame shot clearly shows the amount of difference shows the women being imprisoned and weak.