Linus Larrabee's Lack of Love in Sabrina: A Cinematic Analysis

Linus Larrabee's Lack of Love in *Sabrina*: A Cinematic Analysis

Character Portrayal Through Focalization and Identification

This essay analyzes how the movie *Sabrina* (1954) represents Linus Larrabee (Humphrey Bogart) as the antithesis of love, focusing on focalization and identification. The analysis will center on a specific scene, dividing it into two parts for clarity.

Part 1: The Paris Misunderstanding

In the first part, Sabrina (Audrey Hepburn) and Linus converse, with Sabrina believing Linus is going to Paris. In reality, Sabrina is the one going, unbeknownst to her. The scene employs an external focalization, suggesting Linus is contemplating whether to join Sabrina in Paris or stay. A medium shot captures Linus, while Sabrina, though slightly blurred behind curtains, is still discernible.

The focalization then shifts, showing Sabrina observing Linus as he gazes at the *Liberté*. Sabrina is now in focus, and despite being in the background, the audience is drawn to identify with her due to her romantic demeanor.

Part 2: Unveiling the Truth

The second part reveals Sabrina discovering the Paris tickets and confronting Linus, realizing she is going alone. This section exemplifies the antithesis of love through two primary techniques: camera shots and lighting.

• Camera Shots: The camera angle shifts dramatically from the previous part. We see Sabrina's face, but only Linus's back, obscuring his expressions and suggesting a lack of emotion. This portrayal paints Linus as emotionally detached and incapable of love.
• Lighting: Linus is depicted in darker lighting, emphasizing his solitude and sadness. In contrast, Sabrina is illuminated more brightly, reflecting her relative happiness. Even with match-on-action shots from both perspectives, Linus consistently appears darker, highlighting his perception of Sabrina as an obstacle rather than a love interest.

Conclusion: Reinforcing Linus's Emotional Void

In *Sabrina*, the director employs various techniques to portray Linus as cold-hearted and incapable of love. While lighting and camera shots are prominent, other factors contribute to this portrayal:

• Comedy: The film's comedic elements further underscore Linus's emotional detachment.
• Dialogue: The interactions between Linus and Sabrina reveal his objectification of her and his attempts to shift blame onto David, reinforcing his inability to love and explaining his lifelong bachelorhood.

These elements collectively solidify the audience's perception of Linus as a man devoid of love, at least initially in the film.