Scene Analysis – The Best Years Of Our Lives (Bomber Flashback Scene) Movie Review

WS of Fred climbing through, studying B-17 bomber cockpit while standing, sits down in gunner chair

WS of Fred sitting in gunnery chair, outside the B-17 wreck, looking out the window
Cut to MS of left wing, pan along other half-wrecked wings and lack of propellers
WS of front of bomber, pushing in slowly towards Fred in gunner chair to MU
CU of Fred looking down through window
MS of Fred’s back, pushing into his head as he looks out window
CU of Fred looking through frosted glass in contemplation, wakes up
MS of man outside gunnery bubble, framed by window, looking at screen
MS of Fred, low angle, getting out of chair
WS of Fred climbing back through B-17 to get out
-
This scene from The Best Years of Our Lives somewhat fits Traditional Hollywood Style of the Golden Age of Hollywood, while showcasing a somewhat more Expressionistic sense of style. The use of wide and medium shots showcases the traditionally greater emphasis on flat framing and staging in between Fred’s flashback. However, the use of greater close-ups, pans, and dolly pushes during the flashback, as the music swells and sound effects are heard, is meant to show his more fragile emotional state. Unlike the Traditional Hollywood style, the filmmakers do not show the flashback itself, only Freflat framing and staging in between Fred’s flashback. However, the use of greater close-ups, pans, and dolly pushes during the flashback, as the music swells and sound effects are heard, is meant to show his more fragile emotional state. Unlike the Traditional Hollywood style, the filmmakers do not show the flashback itself, only Fred and how his memories are affecting him because of his time in the wrecked bomber. Framing him and the world through frosted glass shows how far removed he is from the world, evoking a visual symbolism that was often not seen as overtly in traditional Hollywood movies. d and how his memories are affecting him because of his time in the wrecked bomber. Framing him and the world through frosted glass shows how far removed he is from the world, evoking a visual symbolism that was often not seen as overtly in traditional Hollywood movies.