The film was intended to be seen in a staggering 2.76:1 aspect ratio (when using anamorphic lenses). For years, television broadcasts and VHS releases cropped the image, literally cutting characters out of the frame. The Blu-ray release restores this composition. This width is crucial because Kramer often staged scenes with multiple things happening simultaneously across the screen. The widescreen format allows the viewer to choose where to look, adding to the chaotic energy.
The narrative engine of the film is pure id. It is a study of human nature stripped of social decorum. The promise of instant wealth turns law-abiding citizens into reckless maniacs. This setup allowed Kramer to construct a film that was essentially a series of escalating set pieces, each bigger than the last, culminating in a finale that remains one of the most spectacular in movie history.