Close Study Film: Vertigo

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Close Study Film Vertigo
By the end of todays lesson you will be able to.
LO Understand the context of the film Vertigo
by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing
it within class.
2
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.
3
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.
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(No Transcript)
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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 films canonical status

LO Understand the context of the film Vertigo
by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing
it within class.
6
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.
7
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.
8
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.
9
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.
10
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.
11
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.
12
John Scottie Ferguson

• On 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.
13
Scottie Female relationships
How would you describe Scotties 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.
14
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?
John Scottie Ferguson

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

In Gavin Elster's office "I didn't mean to be
that rough. " Elster Do you think I made it
up? Scottie "No. . . ."
In Judy's hotel room Will you have dinner with
me? . . . Will you, for me?
LO Understand the context of the film Vertigo
by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing
it within class.
15
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.
16
Gavin Elster
LO Understand the context of the film Vertigo
by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing
it within class.
17
Gavin Elster
LO Understand the context of the film Vertigo
by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing
it within class.
18
Estler dominates Scottie
How does Estler dominate Scottie within the film?
Think of specific examples and use these
examples of mise-en-scene to refer to.
LO Understand the context of the film Vertigo
by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing
it within class.
19
Gavin Elster
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?
LO Understand the context of the film Vertigo
by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing
it within class.
20
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.
21
The ideal woman?

• Romantic music
• Long ,slow takes
• Gliding camera
• Soft focus
• Diffused lighting
• Achromatic clothes
• Sumptuous/dramatic backdrop

Why do you think Hitchcock uses the above
cinematography and how does it make us view
Madeleine?
LO Understand the context of the film Vertigo
by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing
it within class.
22
The ideal woman?
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.
23
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.
24
Midge
What do you think is the significance of Midge
trying to help Scottie with his vertigo?
LO Understand the context of the film Vertigo
by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing
it within class.
25
Midge
Mothering, clingy ,dependant
Out of Scotties life. and the film
Tries to involve her self in Scotties life
LO Understand the context of the film Vertigo
by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing
it within class.
26
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.
27
Judy Barton
Madeleine
Judy as Madeleine
Judy
LO Understand the context of the film Vertigo
by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing
it within class.
28
Judy Barton
What role does Judy play in relation to
Madeleine? Discuss and make a brief list.
LO Understand the context of the film Vertigo
by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing
it within class.
29
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.
30
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.
31
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.
32
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.
33
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.
34
The necklace
What role did the necklace play within the film?
LO Understand the context of the film Vertigo
by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing
it within class.
35
Oneirc narrativeRelating to or suggesting dreams
LO Understand the context of the film Vertigo
by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing
it within class.
36
Oneiric narrative the end....back to the
beginning?
What is significance of the film beginning and
ending in this way?
LO Understand the context of the film Vertigo
by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing
it within class.
37
Falling
LO Understand the context of the film Vertigo
by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing
it within our exam.
38
The Vertigo Shot dolly pan
Camera is pulled away from subject (on a dolly)
and zoomed in at the same time. A model of the
stairs (laid horizontally ) was used here .
How was this effect created significant to
understanding the character and his condition?
Think back to your half term homework.
LO Understand the context of the film Vertigo
by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing
it within class.
39
Scotties nightmare
LO Understand the context of the film Vertigo
by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing
it within class.
40
LO Understand the context of the film Vertigo
by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing
it within class.
41
Significance of Location
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.
LO Understand the context of the film Vertigo
by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing
it within class.
42
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.
43
Midges 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.
44
Gavin Elsters 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 isnt very bright with colours and all
  the furniture and carpet look the same colour,
  possibly seeing Elsters 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.
45
Ernies

• Ernies 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.
46
Art gallery Carlottas 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 Scotties
  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.
47
Golden Gate Bridge

• In this picture it shows off San Franciscos best
  attraction. It also shows the significance of
  size, Madeleine looks very small standing next to
  the bridge and this shows the bridges 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.
48
Scotties apartment

• Scotties apartment isnt very homely. He hardly
  has any possessions in his house apart from the
  necessities.
• The colours are very bland and dont 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.
49
Judys hotel room

• Judy is meant to be the films portrayal of a
  real woman. She looks very different to
  Madeline, her image isnt 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 isnt 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.
50
Stairs

• 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.

LO Understand the context of the film Vertigo
by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing
it within class.
51
The church roof

• This is the church roof where Madeline dies.
  This shot represents two things, Scotties 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.
52
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.
53
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.
54
LO Understand the context of the film Vertigo
by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing
it within class.
55
Church place of God Disturbing camera
angles Distorts height even more
LO Understand the context of the film Vertigo
by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing
it within class.
56
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.
57
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.
58
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.
59
Past questions
In 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 questions Discuss
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.
60
Past questions
Choose one of the below questions to focus on
creating a plan for as a group. Example of
general questions Discuss 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.
61
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.
62
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.
63
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.
64
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.
65
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?
LO Understand the context of the film Vertigo
by Alfred Hitchcock and how we will be analysing
it within class.