Comparison essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Comparison - Essay Example Similarly, the brutality of James Elroy’s â€Å"L.A Confidential† is adapted for screen by Curtis Hanson with a distinct underlying homage to Bogart’s portrayal of life-weary detectives, which is further highlighted by the simultaneous portrayal of heightened, stark realism which was lacking from the classic film noir pictures pre-1950. The opening sequences and title scenes of both films play a vital role in engaging the audience and preparing the audience as to what to expect from the movie with great effect. L.A. Confidential begins with historical footage of a prosperous pre-1950s Los Angeles city in which the celebrated â€Å"American Dream† is symbolised through the narrative. This places the audience at ease, increasing a sense of dramatic irony through the ideological portrayal that the symbolic â€Å"American Dream† is easily attainable. However, the old footage depicting idyllic family life is slowly juxtaposed and interspersed â€Å"the underbelly of America† and the â€Å"city the politicians don’t want you to see†. As such, the contrast heightens the thought provoking intentions of Curtis Hanson on the audience. In utilising the old footage, Hanson directly takes the audience to the era of the â€Å"The Big Sleep† however the â€Å"The Big Sleep† itself takes a more subtle approach to the subversion of the ideological American Dream, with equal effect. The opening scene of â€Å"The Big Sleep† creates a sense of isolation, which directly engages with the audience, beginning with the vivid image of the silhouette of a man and a woman, both smoking and blowing away the opening credit titles. The visual image of the smoke increases the sense of mystery and symbolises the underlying concept of a smokescreen, hiding the reality underneath the â€Å"Big Sleep†. This further indicates two possibilities, which