In this essay, I will discuss the cinematography, montage, musical composure, and the effect it had on the movie it was used in. I recently had the pleasure of viewing Alfred Hitchcock’s movie titled “Vertigo”. It is based on the 1959 novel “D’entre les morts” that was written by Boileau Narcejac. Jimmy Stewart who was portrayed “Scottie” was stellar in this film as well as Alfred Hitchcock’s presence and directorial style; paramount.
Cinematography, which is the combined art and technology of films and how it is created, was evident in this film (Cinematography). One of the features that Alfred Hitchcock is heavily noted for is the use of color to draw in feeling and emotion within a scene. For instance, in the opening scene of Vertigo, the first thing you will notice is the use of red, blue, and green. The colors shifted from one to the next with the changing of objects and certain panning techniques that were used to focus the audience on a certain point of the frame and color significance. Most importantly, Hitchcock used those colors as a lead in to the rest of the entire movie, which they are used throughout every scene and have a specific meaning and connection. For an example, the color red was used in a matter that would have the viewer assume that emotions like that of terror, fear, and horror. However, throughout the film the same color is used in flowers, wallpaper, and other scenery, which had a different meaning as in warmer emotional feelings. The color blue was used in connection with Scottie’s case of vertigo, paranoia, guilt, and supernatural like elements. It was also common throughout the film to see him wearing blue suits and specific focus on the color of his eyes during different scenes where emotion was connected such as when he was on trial for being a witness and not stopping Madeleine from committing suicide. The color green was also used within this film to connect the viewer to Madeleine/Judy. Throughout the film the color green was seen in nightmare sequences, cars, clothes, wallpaper, and doors.
Montage, is defined as “the production of a rapid succession of images in a motion picture to illustrate an association of ideas”(Montage). Hitchcock used many examples of montage throughout Vertigo in order to give the viewer the feeling as if they were actually in the movie themselves; through Scottie’s eyes. An example of this was during the scenes where Scottie was following Madeleine for his friend Gavin. Due to the time limits of the film it would not make sense to film an entire scene of the complete car ride. Instead, Hitchcock was able to cut the scenes and alternate the viewer’s perspective from point of view shots to landscape shots to zoom in on Madeleine to direct view of Scottie. Another great example of montage was seen in Scottie’s nightmare scene. The scene continued to morph from his bedroom to an animation of the flowers in the portrait of Carlotta Valdes. Then it cuts to Carlotta standing with Gavin, the same window Scottie was standing by in court with Gavin earlier. Then the video pans to the necklace on Carlotta; that is later seen around Judy’s neck. The montage then has Scottie walking through the graveyard staring then falling down an empty grave while all the colors I mentioned are simultaneously flashing and ultimately he is experiencing the suicide of Madeleine; signifying the entire nightmare montage was that of an emotional breakdown. The montage also includes a very interesting special effect that was used during Scottie’s vertigo fear scenes which was called the Dolly Zoom (Wickman, 2014). That technique served as the main element of Scottie’s
Music composure played an absolute critical element in Vertigo. Hitchcock is known for focusing more on landscape and imagery versus the overuse of dialogue; he chooses to use music as a way to fill in and complete each scene he does. In turn that pulls in the viewer and connects them emotionally and psychologically. Some examples of how he used music were heard immediately in the opening credits. The music notes followed the imagery that was presented on screen. When the film would be dark or suspenseful, the music would have eerie tones. When there were scenes of beauty or happiness, the score would have uplifting happy tones. Most importantly, the score balanced the movie from start to finish and was there for a reason versus a director just putting music in for filler.
I really enjoyed watching this movie as I have seen other movies from Hitchcock in the past. He had great vision and knew just how to pull an audience in. Although Vertigo was from 1958, watching it in 2015 was still pleasurable, even in a time where film technology has made many modern advances. It was a well put together that held my interest and I could not find anything about this movie I could dislike. I really enjoyed his landscape, panorama, and other shots used in this movie. The music was well placed per each cue and the actors were superb. What I think was a helping factor was Jimmy Stewart’s acting abilities and how he is able to display emotion. The intensity in his eyes and body movements are amazing. This is not the only movie Jimmy Stewart has acted in for Hitchcock. He has been in numerous films such as Rope, Rear Window, and The Man Who Knew Too Much. That kind of relationship reminds me of how Tim Burton uses Johnny Depp in many of his movies.
It is no wonder why Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo has been voted as one of the best films of all time (Christie, 2015). This movie provided visually suspenseful and thrilling high and lows with a great cast of actors supported by a great soundtrack. The psychological thrill and emotional landscape this movie presents to its viewers will continue for years to come. It will be really interesting to see someone in film today try to hold a candle to this. I do not think it will ever be possible.

References

Christie, I. (2015, March 23). The 50 Greatest Films of All Time | Sight & Sound. Retrieved April 12, 2015, from http://www.bfi.org.uk/news/50-greatest-films-all-time

Cinematography. (n.d.). Retrieved April 12, 2015, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cinematography

Montage. (n.d.). Retrieved April 12, 2015, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/montage

Wickman, F. (2014, January 21). A Supercut of the Vertigo Effect, from Hitchcock to Spielberg to Tarantino. Retrieved April 12, 2015, from http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2014/01/21/dolly_zoom_supercut_video_shows_the_vertigo_effect_in_jaws_goodfellas_raging.html

My Criteria for Quality in Film

1. Storyline: In order for me to really enjoy a film I have to know what is going on. There must be some structure ultimately leading to a point of the film. I realize films are an expression of art and be perceived certain ways amongst different individuals. However, if I cannot tell where a movie is going and it seems like there really is not a sensible plot; it is getting turned off.

2. Originality: Movies have been around for a while now. And like music, eventually one movie may seem the same like a song may sound similar to a certain chord pattern. But to me, there is nothing more powerful than an original movie. I feel that the truest form of art and creation is being able to express a story that has not been told before.

3. Cinematography: A movie is not really a movie unless it has technique applied. The use of different shots really creates and connects elements of the movie. When the scene is framed or how the color and focus or angle is used; really brings out the dynamic of the film to a viewer.

4. Soundtrack: Being a music lover, I feel that a soundtrack or movie score should always be included in a movie. Depending on the movie, it could be a soundtrack containing current or time-period bands per the movie. Or it could be an orchestral scoring soundtrack to accommodate the acting in each scene. It fills in the space and provides a connection.

5. Setting and characters: I think one of the most important qualities is setting and characters. A good film to me is usually focused on people and where they are. Setting provides a location and maybe time period for the story and gives the viewer an idea who or what the focus is on as far as the characters of the film.