6. Hitchcock's Auteurship Flashcards
What are common features of Hitchcock’s work?
Common features include: an ‘icy blonde’, point-of-view shots, a strong emphasis on voyeurism, a misleading narrative, and an expressionist visual style.
What characterizes the ‘icy blonde’ in Hitchcock’s films?
The ‘icy blonde’ is often strong yet weak, and acts as a deviant femme fatale.
How does Hitchcock use point-of-view shots?
Point-of-view shots are used to align the spectator with a character.
What role does voyeurism play in Hitchcock’s work?
Voyeurism often goes hand in hand with the male gaze.
What is a misleading narrative in Hitchcock’s films?
A misleading narrative is not actually the narrative at work.
How is expressionist visual style depicted in Hitchcock’s films?
It is seen through mise-en-scene and camera placement.
How does Kim Novak’s character represent the ‘icy blonde’ trope?
Kim Novak represents a sophisticated, strong woman through Madeleine but is ultimately weak as Judy.
How does Judy seduce Scottie in Vertigo?
Judy seduces Scottie as Madeleine to get him to believe Elster’s plan.
What does the use of reflections in mirrors signify?
Reflections emphasize male control and power dynamics, as seen in scenes involving Elster and Scottie.
What percentage of shots in the Madeleine sequence are from Scottie’s point of view?
57 of the 160 shots are from Scottie’s point of view.
What is the significance of the reflection shot in the flower shop?
It contrasts two worlds: a feminine, lighter side and a masculine, alienated side, indicating disturbance for Scottie and a split identity for Madeleine.
What does the title sequence reveal about the narrative?
It reveals that the narrative is about investigating the destructive nature of male desire and sexual obsession, serving as a MacGuffin.
How is expressionism shown through lighting in Vertigo?
The flashing red light projects a character’s inner thoughts.
What is notable about Judy’s transition into Madeleine?
Expressionism is most obvious during this transition, with the green light exaggerating Madeleine’s appearance.
How does Hitchcock portray the destructive nature of male sexual obsession?
He recognizes the sick process in the male psyche that reduces women to their bodies, as shown by the placement of the bed next to Judy.
