At a denotative level, we see stylised and consciously non-realist streets and houses, but connotatively we get a sense of psychological disturbance and threat. All very appropriate when we think about the plot (especially its final twist) and the themes that run through the film. For those who haven't seen the film, it's very old - but it's also rather wonderful, and has had a massive influence on filmmakers such as Tim Burton, Henry Selick and Paul Berry.
Which brings us back to intertextuality, coming to a lecture near you very soon...
