Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo (1958) Essay

Vertigo is a 1958 film order by Alfred Hitchcock that has stood the test of time in the horror genre. It is considered to be unriv tout ensembleed of the seminal films in the genre non lonesome(prenominal) beca employ it set the disembodied spirit for the films to follow but also beca uptake it exhibited legion(predicate) features and techniques that would serve to revolutionise the mien in which movies were made. The photographic camera angles, use of space, cinematography, special effects and sound all contribute to the overall effect achieved.As such, this essay will take c atomic number 18 each of the above with a view to concluding that Hitchcock rejuvenated the horror genre with Vertigo and provided a gain class in using cinematic techniques for effect. The first technique of note is the way in which camera angles are utilize in order to create an atmosphere of fear, giving the printing process that the characters are moving in one vicious circle. The use of the ca mera simulates panicky feelings of acrophobia (fear of extremums) felt by Scottie Ferguson (James Stewart). (Pramaggiore & Wallis, 2004, p. 127). For example, at one point in the film, a staircase is filmed from the very top. This not only alludes to the alternating(prenominal) nature of the narrative because the bell loom staircase is indeed pear-shaped but also narrows the shot. The deceit of falling from a great height is fostered in this shot and indeed in others, like that in which Stewart appears to be standing on the ledge. Furthermore, the camera angles also link directly to the illusion of space serves as a template for key themes the topography of a urban center and its surrounding countryside matched by dilemmas of sexual choice, guilt and obsession. (Orr, 2005, p. 137). The view from the bell tower always appears to be bleak, and then mirroring the over subtletys of the plot. The sound used also highlights the alternating(prenominal) nature of the narrative. In an interview in Sight and audio recording, Scorsese pointed out that the medicament is also built around spirals and circles, fulfilment and despair.Herrmann really understood what Hitchcock was expiration for he wanted to penetrate to the heart of obsession. (2004). Scorseses assessment is better and this is typified by the scenes in which Madeline and Judy fall to their deaths. The sound is similar in both instances and actively signifies the irony that the starting point of the movie is also the end. However, it is not only the use of music that has a significant impact of the tone of the movie but also the silence. Hitchcock uses silence incredibly well and only provides dialogue as and when he has to.For example, even the confession scene at the denouement of the movie is not as full of vocabulary as it may be in other films. Words are used sparingly and to make a point. Special effects and cinematographic techniques are not used as sparingly as the dialogue in an onsl aught to convey the tension desired. Hitchcock undoubtedly used rear projection in Vertigo Foreground and background play to look starkly separate, part because of the absence of cast shadows from foreground to background, partly because all background planes tend to seem equally diffuse. (Bordwell & Thompson, 1996, p. 244). This is an example of both of these features and there are numerous examples of this in the film, such as the point at which Novak and Stewart kiss against the setting of the ocean. The actors were filmed and then imposed on a natural backdrop, thus forgoing the use of shadow. As such, there is something innately unnatural more or less it, which follows the plot. The film stock is also colour and this also helps to eliminate the use of light and dark, thus enhances this particular effect.In conclusion, there can be little doubt that Hitchcock rejuvenated the horror genre with Vertigo and provided a master class in using cinematic techniques for effect. There are numerous techniques used within the movie to help contribute to the cyclical and around claustrophobic atmosphere. Again, this serves to heighten the tension. The sparing use of dialogue and excellent use of sound effects, when paired with the film stock and clever camera angles, sure enhance the narrative and ultimately allowed Hitchcock to create one of the best cinematic examples of horror in history.Bibliography Bordwell, David & Thompson, Kristin, 1996. Film Art An Introduction. 5th Edition. New York McGraw-Hill. Orr, John, 2005. Hitchcock and twentieth Century Cinema. London Wallflower Press. Pramaggiore, Maria & Wallis, Tom, 2005. Film A little Introduction. London Laurence King Publishing. Scorsese, Martin, 2004. The Best Music in Film. Sight and Sound (September 2004). Online Available at http//www. bfi. org. uk/sightandsound/filmmusic/detail. php? t=d&q=42 Accessed 10 may 2010. Vertigo, 1958. Directed by Alfred Hitchcock. USA Paramount Pictures.