The Maltese Falcon

John Huston’s The Maltese Falcon of 1941 can be noted for its innovative cinematography which is perhaps one of its most notable strengths. In addition to the engaging mystery plot and love story, the cinematography keeps the viewer engaged and emotionally connected to the viewers. The use of cinematography may seem old hat in today’s cinema but for its time the camera the techniques were relatively unparalleled. The cinematography that made the Maltese Falcon successful shares several similarities to the cinematography in Orson Well’s Citizen Kane of the same year.  The cinematographer utilized deep focus shots, interesting camera positioning, and lighting techniques to help direct the emotions of the audience.

              

 Deep focus shots in are used throughout the film and greatly contribute to the success of the story. Deep focus shots ensure that the foreground and background are in focus simultaneously. Orson Wells utilized this technique in Citizen Kane as well. By using this technique the audience has the opportunities to analyze situations on a broader scale. For example, when the leading lady comes to visit Sam for the first time, both characters are in focus, as well as the “Spade and Archer”  on the window in the background. Characters emotions and body language can be read even when they are not the central focus of a shot. This gives the viewer a greater understanding of the characters and situations. 

 

Another technique that makes this movie standout is the use of camera angles to direct emotion. Low camera angle, or shot taken from below the waist of the central character, is used several times throughout the film. Perhaps the most memorable of these low angle shots is the shot of Guttmann’s gut, when Sam comes to visit him about the Maltese Falcon. His large gut in the frame is intrusive and intimidating: paralleling his greed for wealth.  Much like Citizen Kane, low angle shots were also used to reveal the ceiling creating feelings of confinement. This technique was relatively new in the early 1940’s, and makes these movies successful. 

Even though both movies were limited to black and white movie technology, this greatly increased the effectiveness of lighting in the cinematography. Due to the limitation, viewers are forced to pay more attention to lights and darks. Like Citizen Kane, The Maltese Falcon uses this reality to its advantage. The black and white makes dark lighting increase in mystery and discomfort. In addition, shadows are accentuated and can become central to the film. While shadows are prominent throughout The Maltese Falcon, a great example is the shadow cast over Brigit’s face as she is taken away by the police in the final scene.  

 

The Maltese Falcon shares similar strengths with the cinematography of Orson Well’s 1941 film, Citizen Kane. Both strategically used deep focus shots, interesting camera angles, and lighting to engage the viewers on a deeper emotional level. These techniques may be taken for granted in modern films. However, The Maltese Falcon and Citizen Kane will go down in history for the cinematography that took film to a new level.