Thank you!
The director of the project chose to introduce the characters by their hands, since ultimately it is that effort of the main characters hands that create the real catalyst behind the plot. I did use alot of natural light in the film, as the apartment we were shooting had huge windows. Most lighting I did in the apartment itself was only supplemental. Looking back on that shot in the hallway, I think you are very correct in its "stagey" feeling. The director said he wanted that shot to feel incriminating, but I may have over done it with the single, hard source. We were also on pretty limited time and equipment constraints.So it was a quick way to light that shot. I just wish I had been more careful to maintain an even key light between that shot and the next one.