Vertigo = Ernie's Sequence Flashcards
1
Q
Colour =
A
- Stylistic choice of the colour red
- Hitchcock draws our attention to the distinct and overwhelming red
- Classic constructions of red are danger and lust
- Encodes particular ideas to emphasize Scottie’s lust for Madeline and the danger surrounding him
- Everyone else wears dark neutral colours in comparison to an emerald green dress, her dress enhances her beauty and describes Scottie’s obsession
2
Q
Cinematography =
A
- Sweeping shot across the restaurant to then zoom in on Madeline
- Hitchcock’s technical competence to develop lighter cameras to then sweep around the room (Also used in ‘Rebecca’)
- The camera has a downward descent to Madeline which is accompanied by the violin score to represent his downward spiral into obsession. This can also represent the camera falling for her
- The camera positions her within a frame like stance to enhance the idea that women are there to be viewed. Hitchcock was known for poor treatment and objectification of women. From his POV, he sees an overly idealised and romantic shallow focus. The colour and lighting is also enhanced
- Close up profile shot of Madeline which positions Madeline there to be viewed. Hitchcock positions women to be looked at
- Madeline is positioned so we see her back which denies us the initial view of her face
- Madeline is positioned to be a work of art and admired from a distance
3
Q
Mise en scene =
A
- Use of carnations as a reoccurring prop
- Madeline is the only blond person within the film which is a frequent choice of Hitchcock to have a blonde protagonist
- Her costume has an exposed low back dress which is an application of the male gaze theory and assuming the camera looks at her from the point of lust
- The prop of the mirror is narrative foreshadowing and the themes of duality is established as there is two present of Elster and Madeline showing us it’s not their true identity
3
Q
Lighting =
A
- Lack of natural light to represent Scottie being entrapped to appear claustrophobic. This highlights Scottie being trapped with his own obsessive desires
- The saturation increases as Madeline passes him which suggests the camera is Scottie’s point of view
4
Q
Sound =
A
- Use of a sweeping violin creates an atmosphere of wistfulness and longing
- Then drowns out the diegetic hum of the conversations
- A swelling, dreamlike non-diegetic music
- Hermann’s romantic score takes over to represent Scottie’s fascination
