Nighthawks Evaluation

Elements of Genre:

1. Color
2. Action
3. Line
4. Space/Composition/Size

12-15 Specific Observations

1. Burnt red, dull green, mute black colors
2. Few details except for the name of the diner, the other buildings are unlabeled
3. Couple sitting together, another man sitting isolated on the other side of the room
4. Older man behind the counter bent over and appears to be grabbing something
5. Expressions on faces are blank
6. Everywhere except the diner is empty
7. The diner is the only place that is lit.  There are no street lights or lights on in the other buildings
8. Both of the men are dressed in dark black suits, the woman is dressed in a vibrant red dress, and the man behind the counter is in a bright white shirt
9. The diner is mostly empty of equipment.  All it has is a few salt and pepper shakers, napkin dispensers, bar stools, and two large metal containers in the back.
10. It is not very busy and is somewhat still since there are only four figures in the picture and none seem to be making any dramatic movements.
11. The two men sitting at the counter have almost identical apparel with dark suits and grey hats.
12. The two men also have a similar bent over posture at the table.
13. The diner’s light is casting a shadow on the street and the other dark buildings.

Claim:

The dull colors and empty surroundings of the diner along with the blank expressions and impassive stillness of its inhabitants create an aggravating uneasiness and unnatural mystery about the eerie diner on the lonely corner.