The Lodger (1927)
Themes: Stairs, Blondes, Mirrors, Brandy, Wrong Man, Threatened Romance, Art, Chase
Characters:
Mother - Protector, knows all
Father - Bumbling fool, useless
Daisy - Naïve, innocent
Lodger - Mysterious, suspicious
Detective - Boisterous, protective, demanding
Notes:
Appearance/Reality, the suspicion created around the Lodger leads viewers
to see the potential sinister implications of his activities (i.e. buttering
bread).
Lodgers request that the pictures be turned over. All images of blondes.
Evidence built up throughout the film suggesting that the Lodger is the Avenger - reinforced by the Lodger's behavior, fixed gazes, his mysterious bag, the way he handles the butter knife & poker.
Camera work around the staircase - pov from above and below, Lodgers
room is on the top floor.
Extreme close-ups used on face, hands to emphasize emotion, activity
