Retired
We are introduced to Milos' father, a retired engine driver lying on a bed with his feet up watching his clock. He does so because he keeps track of the time the trains come into town. The imagery tells us exactly what he does with his days as well as the joy he still has for his job. He's bored with his life at home, but he's comfortable with just dreaming about his work now because he is on pension.
Anointed
Milos' mother gets him dressed for his first day at work as a train inspector. Menzel shoots him from toe to head in his uniform before Milos' mother carries the hat over in close frame to his head as if annointing him. Then in the next frame the mother who was standing behind Milos disappears and he is fully dressed. The imagery shows the level of reverence they have for this position and the sublime quality of Milos' position.
Paving the Way
Menzel shoots Milos walking away from home to work on a road by himself. He has just stated that though he is working at the same station as his father he will not be taking the same job as his father. He will have a new job, because he isn't the same as his father he will make his own way. Thus, walking down the road tells us that he is going after this his own way.
Driving Backwards
After a German intelligence officer leaves the train station, we see him moving backwards in his car down the tracks. The imagery shows that though this man believes what the Germans are doing is profoundly moving humanity forward Menzel shows that literally they are moving backwards.
