The High Sign (1921)

• Realist elements


  The emphasis on guns within the film reflects how - both in 1920s and present day - Americans seem to have an obsession with guns.

  Shooting gallery

  Policemen carrying guns
• Realist elements

  Real world elements seen are:

  Drunkeness (despite prohibition)

  Widespread unemployment

  Gangs

  Amusement parks

  Modern travel
• Expressive elements


  Opening scene:

  Exaggerated mis en scene: newspaper.

  Overly dramatic bad aim
• Expressive elements

  Shooting galley scene:

  Costume = oversized

  Hat = stays on the wall x2

  Painted pipe becomes smokeable

  Abstract solution to problem of bad aim = using the dog, meat and bell
• Expressionistic elements

  House scene:

  Design = realist but abstract

  ELS- showing all four segments of the house
• Realist elements

  House sequence:

  All stunts performed by keaton are real, as well as the trapdoors and hidden passages.

  Showcasing his acrobatic prowess
• Nicklenurser house = realist

  Whilst unusual, they have been achieved authentically rather than through expressionistic film elements such as editing or effects.
• Expressionism shown through the exaggerated mis en scene: newspaper, suit

  Done for comedic effect
• After the butler tips an unknown substance secretly into Keatons drink and Keaton sips it, he looks into the cup and sees a reflection of a horse kicking its rear legs.

  Post-production effect = expressionistic and used to present idea that keaton is experiencing hallucinations due to substance.
• insert shot eyeline match showing horse in cup
• ELS splitting frame into four quarters is an unsual expressionist technique emphasisinig the gag of the house's traps and the repetitive routine the characters take from one room to another.