Interruptions

Throughout the film, there are always interruptions. The first comes while Robarts is talking with his nurse and servant. Mayhew knocks on the door and demands to see Robarts concerning a murder case. All the drama and action in the film begins because of one simple knock on the door, one interruption.

Later, viewers also see numerous other interruptions that introduce us to new characters or prepare us for a later event. For example, when Christine interrupts Robarts's conversation at his office, we are suddenly thrown for a loop as we see her cold disdain for her husband. Because we are set up to dislike her, the ending comes as an even greater shock for the viewers.

Flashbacks

Much of the story is told through flashbacks. While Leonard tells his story, viewers are actually able to see the events occurring as he describes them. Because we see Miss...