Vertigo = Auteur

Question 1

What is an auteur?

Answer 1

• An auteur is a filmmaker whose personal creativity, distinctive style and voice are reflected in their body of work

Question 2

Who developed the auteur theory?

Answer 2

• Began with Francois Truffaut
• The auteur theory was developed within the Cahiers du Cinema
• This was developed by Andre Bazin which played a crucial role in the filmmaking theory

Question 3

What things did Andrew Sarris argue satisfied as an auteur?

Answer 3

1. Technical Competence
2. A distinctive personal style
3. Interior meaning

Question 4

What did Francois Truffaut develop?

Answer 4

• He argues the director is the primary creative force behind a film and that they should prioritise creative vision
• The director should add a unique personal style and perspective on the film

Question 5

How did German Expressionism influence Hitchcock?

Answer 5

• German Expressionism is an art movement in Germany which is characterized by distorting reality for emotional effect such as artificial lighting to make it appear dreamlike. This is seen when Scottie first sees Madeline
• It also explores themes of madness and darker aspects of the human psyche such as scopophilia
• Hitchcock uses these elements to provoke unease and psychological instability which shows Scottie’s distorted perception of reality
• The dolly zoom is something which creates unease and is similar to German Expressionism

Question 6

Who is Alfred Hitchcock?

Answer 6

• Hitchcock was a world renowned pioneer of suspense and celebrated for his innovative techniques

Question 7

What are key elements of Hitchcock?

Answer 7

• Known for his meticulous control over his films using innovative camera techniques, editing styles and sound design to build tension
• He used MacGuffins to mislead the viewers and keep them engaged (Portrait of Carlotta)
• Hitchcock explored darker sides of human psychology which is shown in Scottie’s destructive nature of obsession
• Hitchcock uses vibrant use of colour to signify different elements of the film
• He had a strong emphasis on visuals and pure cinema which stemmed from his involvement in silent films
• He often employs the wrongly accused man and ordinary people in the extraordinary
• Voyeurism through POV shots, the audience are granted their own position in the action
• Used blondes as objects of desire, blondes are beautiful and therefore seen to be mysterious and contradictory

Question 8

What are some key features of Hitchcock?

Answer 8

1. Pyschological Depth and Obsession
2. Use of Colour Symbolism
3. Voyeurism and Male Gaze
4. Female blondes
5. Mirrors to highlight dual identities