Film Analysis Of The Opening Scene In Hitchcock's '1984'

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The opening scene begins with a stark extreme close up of a woman’s face in black and white. The camera focuses on her startled eyes that dart from side to side in an ominous manner that is coherent to the genre of thriller and its ability to perpetuate a feeling of unease. As the camera continues to zoom inwards towards her pupil, the image turns a deep red and we notice the emergence of animated spirals superimposed onto her iris. As the screen changes from monochrome to red the non-diegetic sound of mood music alerts the viewer to the insidious nature of the thriller, instilling a feeling of unease. Hitchcock’s use of the colour in this scene is unconsciously interpreted by the viewer as menacing or foreboding, as the colour red suggests an allusion to blood and death. The spirals foreshadow the plot’s concern with vertigo and hypnosis, anticipating the use of the spiral motif throughout the film. This use of psychedelic animation with film produces a metaphor that is sustained in the plot, whereby reality becomes inseparable from illusion. Scotty is first introduced to the illusionary construct of the character of Madeline in the catalytic scene set in Gavin Elsters office. A contrast is made between the affluent and powerful shipyard owner Elster and the unemployed, disabled figure of John Ferguson in order to establish a hierarchy of power. This power relation is reflected in Hitchcock’s use of Mis En Scene, camera angles and diegetic dialogue. The spatial relationship between the two characters is confirmed through the use of an establishing shot that situates the commanding figure of Gavin Elster dominantly behind his desk in order to convey that Scotty is subservient to Elsters plan. A series of shot reverse shots ensue ... ... middle of paper ... ...s to zoom and focus on Madeline, the significance of the shot is made obvious through the use of non-diegetic dreamy music that insinuates the allure of Madeline, and her spellbindingly fatal hold over Scotty. As Madeline exits the restaurant a tracking movement is used to mimic Scotties point of view as she walks towards where he is seated. A series of shot reverse shots indicate his reaction as the camera then becomes static, fixed on a close up profile image of Madeline. The profile image is another motif used throughout Vertigo; it is applied in conjunction with a tracking shot, suggesting that the movement is an indication of Madeleine's magnetism for Scottie. The use of camera techniques, Mis En Scene and sound in this instance are all constructed to highlight Scotties character flaws and show he is easily manipulated by the illusion of the superficial image.

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