similar effect at end of MALTESE FALCON as I recall. Mary Astor enters
elevator with Ward Bond, the collapsing elevator grille throws a grid of
shadow across her, a visual announcement of her impending incarceration. I
believe the effect was used in other noir films and -- if intentional -- is
used in SLINGBLADE to intimate the protagonist's return to the hospital for
the criminally insane.
 
HRGreenberg md
 
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