Vertigo

Question 1

Scottie Falling Off Roof Scene - Cinematography

Answer 1

Point Of View shots from Scotties perspective, communicates Scotties fear of heights and puts the audience in his shoes

Traditionally films start with an establishing shot

Question 2

Scottie Falling Off Roof Scene - Mise En Scene

Answer 2

Costumes communicate profession and status, the policemen are more important than the man being chased this is clear from the uniform

Natural low-key lighting, contrast of night time with the street lights. Symbolises how the police chase is light (good) Vs Dark (evil)

Guns signify the violent nature of the scene

Question 3

Following Madeleine To The Flower Shop - Mise En Scene

Answer 3

The frame is constantly obstructed by cars/doors, this adds to the sense of realism

Contrast between Scottie always in shadows and Madeleine always bathed in light

Question 4

Following Madeleine To The Flower Shop - Cinematography

Answer 4

POV shots from Scotties perspective align us with him as though we are watching Madeleine

Close ups of Scotties face to emphasize his facial expressions

Shot of Scottie and Madeleine in the same shot and not in contact, Scottie hiding behind door and Madeleine visible in mirror builds tension

Question 5

Ernie’s Restaurant Scene - Mise En Scene

Answer 5

Red lighting at the door contrasted with the dark surroundings let’s us know that inside the restaurant is vibrant and magical.

The red interior represents the loving desire Scottie has for Madeleine, It also represents danger as Scotties obsession with Madeleine is his downfall - Semiotic Code

Everyone is wearing black apart from Madeleine who is wearing green, highlighting her. Green represents Scotties obsession.

Question 6

Ernie’s Restaurant Scene - Cinematography

Answer 6

Scene begins with an establishing shot of the restaurant which slowly dissolves into a shot of Scottie inside, the dissolve cut gives the scene a slow and dreamy feeling.

The camera moves slowly and smoothly, dreamlike feel

Madeleine is framed by a doorway which represents how Scottie views her as perfect as if she was a painting

Question 7

Ernie’s Restaurant Scene - Sound

Answer 7

Dreamlike music that reflects Scotties feelings for Madeleine.

Question 8

Hitchcock’s Auteur Features In Vertigo

Answer 8

• The Hitchcock Blonde (Madeleine/Judy)
• The maternal female character with strange romantic tension (Midge) also seen in Pyscho with the mother “a son is a poor substitute for a lover”
• Voyeurism (Scottie following Madeleine) also seen in Rear Window, Hitchcock himself was also known to peep on his leading ladies