Once Upon a Time in America, Sergio Leone 1984

The first signifier of this film is the song "God bless America" sung in the background. This song's meanings and values are ironic, as the film shows a different side to America which contradicts with the song.

The first person seen in the scene is the Femme Fatale character. We first see her after a long stretch of darkness and no light, only hearing the sounds of footsteps and the door opening accompanied by the God bless America song. The first shot of her, seen here, uses little lighting and the chiaroscuro effect. This and the use of a number of close ups, shows emotion and expression and draws the viewer right into the action. It also builds suspense as the viewer can't see anything else in the shot, which makes us wonder where she is and if anyone else is there.

This image is a strong shot. It shows the elegance and beauty of the femme fatale, Eve. The hat positioned almost on the side of her head, her nail varnish and rings, and her pearl necklace shows she was very stylish. The pearls also indicate that she is a vulnerable character, as they are sybols of tears. The lighting is diegetic as the only light source is the lamp. The colour of the light makes the shot almost sepia, and matches perfectly to the colour of Eve's face and clothes, and the warmth she posseses. 

The rule of thirds plays a big part in the success of this particular image, as does the depth of field. We see the three policemen characters, one to the far right to the image, closer to the camera than the other two, one to the left and the last in the middle, clearly brandishing a gun. The focus of the camera keeps the closest man out of focus, and the other two in focus. This helps to draw the viewer’s eye straight to the centre character, who is the important figure and also the only one seen with a weapon. The men are all looking slightly to the left of the camera, revealing all of their faces and the serious expressions they all share.

This image of the 3 authoritive figures standing over eve’s body after they shoot her is powerful as it shocks the viewer by showing, although out of focus and in the foreground, Eve’s lifeless body and face. Her eyes are especially shocking as we can see how they are staring blankly and lifelessly.

This shot, after the scene of Eve’s death, shows a lift shaft. This helps to build tension as the lift is a generic location for a thriller. It provokes the sensation of chlaustrophobia and entrapment, and heightens the feeling of danger within the scene.

The locker and the briefcase in this shot are more examples of generic conventions found in this film. The locker, like the lift shaft, can signify chlaustrophobia, but it also provokes mystery as to what is inside it, and furthermore what is inside the briefcase. It makes the viewer intrigued as to what's in the briefcase.