If I remember correctly, there is actually a safe in Capote's In Cold Blood,
both the novel and the film. In fact, I think it was empty, thereby putting
an interesting twist on Richard Read's theory. Surely, this film/novel
constitutes "serious" stuff! I find this theory quite fascinating.
Elaine Pigeon,
Concordia University
----- Original Message -----
From: "Richard Read" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, April 21, 2004 10:15 PM
Subject: Films which show safes behind paintings
> Would list-members be able to cite films in which paintings are swung
> away from walls to reveal safes that are opened to obtain other kinds
> of valuable things, such as money. I seem to remember many such
> scenes from Hollywood movies in my youth, but I'm interested in any
> examples. I remember such scenes as being very surprising and I am
> interested in them for several possible reasons. They show how
> something attracting attention to itself actually conceals something.
> They show casual aesthetic value giving away to serious utilitarian
> value. They destroy a facade and let the viewer into a secret (a
> 'front' room becomes a 'back' room, and in so doing viewers become
> insiders). They demonstrate the superior capacities of film narrative
> to the static images of an older art. They are metaphors of wealth
> behind wealth, hence of extreme wealth. They serve as a metaphor
> revealing box-office motives behind the pleasing illusions of
> film-making and, more generally, the greed that underlies
> high-mindedness. Other interpretations, as well as examples, would be
> very welcome. Also: is there a documented historical reality to such
> security devices?
>
> Richard Read.
> --
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> M433
> Dr Richard Read Email [log in to unmask]
> Associate Professor
> Faculty of Architecture Landscape & Visual Arts
> The University of Western Australia
> CRAWLEY WA 6009 Tel +61 8 9380 2140
> Australia Fax 8 9380 1082
>
> The University of Western Australia: CRICOS Provider No. 00126G
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