4. Film Form

Question 1

camera movements

Answer 1

• use of dolly zoom creates a vertigo effect conveying Scottie’s acrophobia.
• Slow, subjective tracking shots during Scottie’s surveillance of Madeleine enhances tension.

Question 2

Colour palette

Answer 2

• Green symbolises the illusion quality of Madeleine (E.G neon green mist when Judy transforms).
• Red symbolises Scottie’s desire for Madeleine and also danger (E.G red overlay added to Scottie on the roof and Madeleine in a red robe).
• Blue is associated with Scottie and his guilt and trauma (E.G he wears blue at the tribunal and blue overlay in final shot at the tower).

Question 3

Parallel editing

Answer 3

juxtaposes Scottie’s subjective perspective with reality, blurring the lines between the truth and illusion (parallel of first meeting Madeleine and Judy, the use of side profile shot).

Question 4

Flashback sequence

Answer 4

Reveals Judy’s involvement in the deception, heightening the dramatic irony.

Question 5

Costume

Answer 5

• Madeleine’s elegant, sleek attire (gray suit, hair in a neat spiral bun) contrasts with Judy’s more casual brash style (green jumper and collared shirt).
• Judy’s transformation into Madeleine via costume and makeup reflects Scottie’s manipulation and inability to let go off Madeleine.

Question 6

Setting

Answer 6

Vertigo inducing environments such as the bell tower, staircases, bridges symbolises Scottie’s fears - conveys how his vertigo is taking over.

Question 7

Sound

Answer 7

• Bernard Herrmann’s score consists of haunting orchestral music that intensifies emotional depth.
• Leitmotifs of a score that imitates a spiral mirrors scottie’s condition.