Close Study Film: Vertigo

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

By the end of today’s lesson you will be able

to….

Alfred Hitchcock• What do you

already know about Alfred Hitchcock?

• Discuss on tables and make a list of bullet points.

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

Alfred Hitchcock• British film director, actor and producer.

• Began as a titles producer for Lasky studios in London.

• First directing job in 1923, for a film called ‘Always tell your wife’. After making several films for the company, Hitchcock was given the chance to co-produce a British/German film called “The pleasure garden” which sky rocketed his career and gave him the opportunity to become one of the most infamous directors of all time.

• Some of Hitchcock's most renowned films are: Strangers on a train, The man who knew too much, Vertigo, North by Northwest, The birds and Psycho.

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

What we need to know!• A film about film: identification / obsession / misrecognition?

• A film about film: the gendered look, the female object

• The significance of this as a “Hitchcock” film

• Recurring motifs and the possible symbolic patterning of the film

• Interpreting the Madeleine / Judy split

• The spectator relationship to Scottie as the film develops

• The use of locations

• The success or otherwise of the film as a thriller

• Difficulties in taking the film seriously from a narrative realist perspective and problems of audience response that result from this

• The film’s canonical status

• The film’s critical reception

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

What can you tell about the film from the front cover?

Discuss on your tables and be prepared to feedback.

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

Classwork

What did you find out about vertigo?

How do you think it will help with the

understanding of the film?

Discuss your findings on your tables.

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

Learning Objectives

• Consolidate the plot

• Identify and analyse character

• Consider how characters are represented (introduction)

• Evaluate a number of approaches to the film

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

Starter: summarise the plot of the film in exactly 50 words.

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

Characters

• Scottie

• Midge

• Gavin Elster

• Judy/Madeleine

• Pop Leibel

• Carlotta Valdes

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

John ‘Scottie’ Ferguson

• A man of action until his fall

• Possessive• Obsessive• Cold• blunt

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

John ‘Scottie’ FergusonOn your tables, discuss how you perceived the character of Scottie.•What was significant about his character?•What key scenes highlighted this?

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

‘Scottie’: Female relationshipsHow would you describe Scottie’s relationship with the

following females? Discuss and make a short list of bullet points for each.

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

Three times in Vertigo, Scottie starts to leave a room, only to return. Each return gets him deeper into his involvement. What do you think

the significance of this is?

•In Midge's apartment: "What did you mean, there's no losing it . . . the acrophobia? . . . I think I can lick it."

In Judy's hotel room: Will you have dinner with me? . . . Will you, for me?

In Gavin Elster's office: "I didn't mean to be that rough. " [Elster:] Do you think I

made it up? [Scottie:] "No. . . ."

John ‘Scottie’ Ferguson

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

Gavin Elster• Rich • Powerful• Controlling• Intelligent • Manipulative

• On the following slides are two examples of mise-en-scene. How do they represent Elster?

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within our exam.

Gavin Elster

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

Gavin Elster

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

Estler dominates Scottie

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

How does Estler dominate Scottie within the film?

Think of specific examples and use these examples of mise-en-scene to refer to.

Gavin Elster

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

What does this example of mise-en-scene tell us about the relationship between Elster and women? Do you think this reflects Hitchcock's own ideology?

‘Madeleine Elster’

• The perfect woman?• Glamorous• Unattainable• Presented in attractive

surroundings

• What does her presentation tell us about Hitchcock's view of women?

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

The ideal woman?• Romantic music• Long ,slow takes• ‘Gliding’ camera• Soft focus • Diffused lighting• Achromatic clothes• Sumptuous/dramatic

backdrop

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

Why do you think Hitchcock uses the above cinematography and how does it make us view Madeleine?

Always presented in dramatic, beautiful settings.

Why?

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

The ideal woman?

Midge• Bookish-glasses• Too mothering• Somewhat unattractive• Financially independent

(good) but emotionally dependant (bad)

• What does her presentation tells us tell us about Hitchcock's view of women?

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

Midge

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

What do you think is the significance of Midge trying to help Scottie with his vertigo?

Out of Scotties life. and the filmTries to involve her self in Scottie’s life

Mothering, clingy,dependant

Midge

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

Judy Barton

• “Just a girl from Kansas”

• Real• Attainable• Does not interest

Scottie until she is ‘transformed into Madeline

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

Judy

Judy as ‘Madeleine’

‘Madeleine’

Judy Barton

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

Judy Barton

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

What role does Judy play in relation to Madeleine?

Discuss and make a brief list.

Carlotta Valdes• Provides element of

mystery

• Makes the whole obsession by ‘Madeline’ seem more realistic

• Do you think this character played any other role?

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

Pop Liebel

• Book shop owner

• Tells Scottie about history of Carlotta

• Midge also there

• Liebel not in on the plot

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

How do we interpret the film?How do you view the film and why? Discuss the below and figure out how you think the film fits in with each.

•A thriller?

•Oneiric narrative? (Focusing on pertaining to dreams)

•A study of male obsession?

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

A thriller?

• Exciting …yes

• Resolution …yes (but 40 mins before end!!!!)

• Convincing and plausible?....maybe not

• Does that matter?

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

McKittrick Hotel: a hole in the plot? Where does Madeline go?

Is the hotel owner in on the plot?

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

The necklace

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

What role did the necklace play within the film?

Oneirc narrative:Relating to or suggesting

dreams

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

Oneiric narrative: the end....back to the beginning?

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

What is significance of the film beginning and ending in this way?

Falling…

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within our exam.

The ‘Vertigo’ Shot: dolly pan

Camera is pulled away from subject (on a dolly) and zoomedin at the same time. A model of the stairs (laid horizontally ) was used here .

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

How was this effect created significant to understanding the character and his condition? Think back to your half term homework.

Scottie’s nightmare

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

Significance of Location

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

Hitchcock supplies the viewer with an array of different locations throughout

the film.

What do you feel are the most important locations and why?

Make a list of specific scenes.

First sight of her in an opulent, beautiful setting: sets the tone for his obsession.

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

Midge’s apartment;

Midge is a very motherly character and her home certainly represents that. Here we can see a big armchair, comfy looking. The room looks open-planned and the windows let in a lot of light; giving out a homely feel.

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

Gavin Elster’s Office;

• Gavin Elster's office shows a lot about him. The office is very big and looks very professional. The furniture is antique looking and suggests that he is very wealthy. Behind Elster, we see his work which shows his power as a boss.

• The room isn’t very bright with colours and all the furniture and carpet look the same colour, possibly seeing Elster’s life lacking energy and colour?

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

Ernie’s;

• Ernie’s restaurant seems full of energy and colour in this picture. During the restaurant scene in Vertigo the place is very busy and full of noise. Madeline is dressed in an elegant green ball gown which is very easy to spot during the scene, making her stand out of the crowd; this is where Scottie first meets Madeline and so it is important for her to be dressed in a bright colour to make her stand of for both Scottie and the audience.

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

Art gallery & Carlotta’s grave;

• Every scene in the art gallery seems very empty. Madeline is the only one and this focuses the audiences attention on her.

• Madeline is also alone at the graveside too and this means that the focus is on Scottie’s fascination with Madeline and strengthens the audiences attention on them both.

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

Golden Gate Bridge;

• In this picture it shows off San Francisco’s best attraction. It also shows the significance of size, Madeleine looks very small standing next to the bridge and this shows the bridge’s status, not only in the film but as a popular tourist attraction too.

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

Scottie’s apartment;

• Scottie’s apartment isn’t very homely. He hardly has any possessions in his house apart from the necessities.

• The colours are very bland and don’t give off very much about Scottie as a person; but perhaps this was intended?

• Scottie has both Blinds and curtains by his windows which could represent how secretive he is of his life.

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

Judy’s hotel room;

• Judy is meant to be the film’s portrayal of a ‘real’ woman. She looks very different to Madeline, her image isn’t as perfect and is far more brightly coloured. Madeline is often seen with a plain grey suit and here we see Judy with multicoloured items of clothing; Greens, purple, pink and blues. Her room isn’t perfectly tidy and this too goes with her image.

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

• The dolly pan effect on the stairs when Scottie is chasing Madeline puts the audience in Scotties position. The height puts attention on Scotties vertigo and this shot is an attempt to make the audience feel how Scottie feels.

Stairs;

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

The church roof;

• This is the church roof where Madeline ‘dies’. This shot represents two things, Scottie’s loss and his bravery to be standing somewhere of such height when he suffers from Vertigo. The place is very dim and a church represents both death and celebration; however, with this one it seems more death because of the way it looks.

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

Mise-en-scene• In your groups you are going to be given an example of mise-en- scene from the film.

• Analyse the significance of the shot and annotate around the outside of the picture.

• These will be kept for revision resources.

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

Dramatic. Makes Madeline seem so small and vulnerable. Was this part of the plan?

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within our exam.

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

Church: place of GodDisturbing camera anglesDistorts height even more

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

Film Reception

How do you think this film was received at its time of release and

why?

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

Contemporary Reception

• Vertigo premiered in San Francisco in 1958. • Its performance at the box office was average, and

reviews were mixed.

• Variety said the film showed Hitchcock's "mastery", but was too long and slow for "what is basically only a psychological murder mystery".

• Los Angeles Times admired the scenery, but found the plot "too long" and felt it "bogs down" in "a maze of detail’

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

Hitchcock and Hitchcock fans• Hitchcock fans were not pleased with his

departure from the romantic-thriller territory of earlier films and that the mystery was solved with one-third of the film left to go.

• Hitchcock blamed the film's failure on Stewart, at age 50, looking too old to play a convincing love interest for Kim Novak, who at 25 was half his age at the time.

• How far do you agree with this reception?

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

Past questionsIn this section of the exam, you will be given 2 general

questions you can answer about vertigo OR a more specific question just about vertigo.

Example of general questionsDiscuss some of the ways in which the film or video work you have studied for this topic requires a different kind of spectatorship from that which spectators bring to their mainstream film-going.

Experimental and Expanded film/video works are often perceived as being ‘difficult’. As a spectator, how far has this been your experience with the films you have studied for this topic?

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within our exam.

Past questionsChoose one of the below questions to focus on creating a plan

for as a group.

Example of general questionsDiscuss some of the ways in which the film or video work you

have studied for this topic requires a different kind of spectatorship from that which spectators bring to their

mainstream film-going.

Experimental and Expanded film/video works are often perceived as being ‘difficult’. As a spectator, how far has this been your experience with the films you have studied for this

topic?

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

Starter: Mini Vertigo quiz

1. What is the name of the woman in the painting that supposedly lives within the character of Madeleine? (Extra mark for surname)

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

Starter: Mini Vertigo quiz

2. What is the name of the restaurant where Scottie sees Madeleine for the first time?

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

Starter: Mini Vertigo quiz

3. What is the name of the man in the book shop that Scottie and Midge go to visit? (Extra point for surname).

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

Starter: Mini Vertigo quiz

4. What type of narrative is based around pertaining dreams?

LO: Understand the context of the film ‘Vertigo’ by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing it within class.

Starter: Mini Vertigo quiz

5. There is a feminist theory that argues films are made to be watched as a heterosexual male.

What is this theory and who coined it?