The imitation game (1959)

Through the use of a colour palette used Sirk continually contrasts or compliments the mood captured in every scene.

The use of technicolor through out creates a picturesque image during the film- the character of Meredith being particularly favored by the technique which is particularly fitting due to her movie star career. Whilst the colour remains vibrant Sirk’s use of shadow further amplifies the mood within a scene; with scenes such as that in which Sarah Jane loses her job due to the race of her and her mother having a looming shadow around the edge of the screen. As a result the atmosphere becomes that of being trapped, almost caged as the Sarah Jane and Annie yet again are discriminated due to their race- regardless of talent. I also thought note worthy the use of low shots often used during conflicts between characters as well pieces of the architecture of the house physically coming between characters such as the bannister in the scene in which Meredith questions who Sarah Janes love interest is. Through the combination of these techniques we can physically see the segregation between the characters regardless of whether Meredith had any racial undertone in the query.