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Alfred Hitchcock (Rough)

Alfred Hitchcock is, without a doubt, one of the most influential filmmakers in ht the history of cinema. A bold statement, but true nonetheless. In the course of this essay, I will first discuss the main themes and symbolic imagery found in Hitchcock's films. Secondly, I will show how these themes and images function in his films and why they matter to him. I will also discuss his cinematic techniques and how they express his views. Finally, I will discuss the film ____ and how it exemplifies the themes and devices discussed.
The themes in Hitchcock's work reoccur throughout his various films. The best way to start analyzing any Hitchcock film is to look at the beginning shot and end shot. The first will set up the main theme (the opening of the blinds in Rear Window "the world is a stage") and the final shot showcases the connection between the different characters (In The Lady Vanishes, Gilbert, Iris and Miss Froy are all shown in a tranagle formation, indicating their tri-fold connection). Each one of Hitchcock's films operate in this f ashion, showing his ability at crafting layers of depth into his work. Hitchcock was obsessed with innocence and guilt.
Hitchcock preferred to build his themes with suspense rather than surprise. Hitchcock preferred to build the mounting tension in a film, rather than assault the viewer with surprise imagery. "Hitchcock's films draw heavily on both fear and fantasy, and are known for their droll humour. They often portray innocent people caught up in circumstances beyond their control or understanding." (Wiki) Fascinated by voyeurism in both his characters (Rear Window, Rope) and the audience as a voyeur, Hitchcock often played with the idea of "the world is a stage and we are all players in it". In several films like Dial "M" For Murder, Hitchcock would often adapt plays into film scripts, challenging himself by bringing difficult scenarios and confined spaces to the screen. Rope was filmed in only 9 takes,...