The soldiers in shadow carry you deep into the image, creating a 3-dimensional effect. The secret lies in this conversation, held in shadow. The picture is light. Only they are in dark. This is the mystery. What are they saying? What is so serious? What is he pointing to? What is their rank that demands she stop to listen? She obviously wants to be released from the conversation, as seen by her raised left heel.
Action continues in the forefront as soldiers descend in quick movement from the armored vehicle. Loaded backpacks, packed with army gear, are carried in equal weight between the male and female soldiers. Heavy guns, all pointed downward, reflect at ease positions. The soldier descending from the truck, his hand on the barrel, forefinger pointed down, is repeated in repetition, by the soldier in shadow, his hand on the barrel, gun pointed down. In the midst of this army commotion, a female soldier moves out of the image, left and side. A soldier, his back toward us, moves into the image. A third soldier descends down from the top toward the center of the frame. This creates action and a heightened documentary effect.
The conversation is highlighted and framed by the space it inhabits. On the left, behind the soldier is parked the heavy vehicle, with raised straight panels at its top, making the sidewalk appear even narrower than it is. Across from the sidewalk, trees stand in perfect attention, like soldiers, elongating the space, bringing the viewer deeper into The Secret Conversation.