Samuel Fuller shoots this film very simply. He uses elements of Film-Noir to create suspense, such as the dumb-waiter scene with Joey and the police as well as extreme close ups with intense reactions of the characters as a response to what is happening in the circumstances. Fuller allows the characters to come to life through their actions and the dialogue, quick-paced, sharp and sure lends itself to the tone of the film which becomes more and more serious as each frame passes.
The opening shot of the train traveling through the night shows us exactly what film we are going to be watching. We are entering a journey that involves a lot of people, but there is something set in motion undercover in the night that travels along-side everyone. And then, the imagery of Skip pick-pocketing Candy shows us that there are specific individuals--whether knowingly or unknowingly--involved in this bigger scheme. They are just merely passengers on the train that has already been set in motion.
Fuller also uses images to enhance the film. We see him pan his camera away from the murder of Moe to a record player that has gone off. It symbolizes that like the record, Moe's music has stopped playing. Fuller also uses mirrors and reflections in the film to show how many of the characters are always looking over their shoulders. This creates a tension for the audience as they view the film. Furthermore, Fuller grows his film from a single incident to one that effects the entire nation. Thus, the film is like a pebble being thrown into a glassy pond and the ripples just get bigger and bigger.
