Termite
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Posts posted by Termite
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1. In your own words, please describe the effect of watching the POV dolly shots / POV tracking shots in this scene?
I think it is absolutely brilliant. Rather than being a spectator, we become a supporter- drawn into what is going on through a personal perspective.
2. Why do you think Hitchcock uses the technique of a POV tracking shot? What does it add to his visual storytelling?
As stated above, it definitely draws one further into the viewing. It's somewhat like a dream- there are those where I seem disconnected, "floating" above, and the night terrors wherein I am apart of whatever world my mind has created.
3. What connections (visual techniques, images, motifs, themes) do you notice between films that came before this (The Pleasure Garden, The Lodger) and a film that came after it (The Ring)? Please cite specific examples.
I see that the POV shots are becoming more common place and more focused... whereas in The Pleasure Garden, we see the stage from the perspective of the audience, it is not quite the same as the moving/interacting with the set with the dolly camera.
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1. Do you see the beginnings of the "Hitchcock touch" in this sequence? Please provide specific examples.
Yaaas. I love how Hitchcock always presented the film in ways as if we are seeing through the eyes of the characters- this is most obviously in Rear Window, but it comes in others as well and is used brilliantly in Shadow of a Doubt (my favorite so far. meep) and Psycho. I'm not as familiar with his older films, but I do have a collection of them. If I had the time to binge watch....
2. Do you agree or disagree with Strauss, Yacowar, and Spoto assessments that this sequence contains elements, themes, or approaches that we will see throughout Hitchcock's 50-year career?
As stated above, perspective was highly valued in Hitchcock's films to demonstrate the drama between characters, or even following one main individuals. And the girls. Always the girls, lol.
3. Since this is a silent film, do you feel there were any limitations on these opening scenes due to the lack of synchronous spoken dialogue?
Yes and no. Yes, in the way that Hitchcock used words with such power, and no, as there are many speechless scenes that are so poignant. Having an option can be great, but also mastering the art with what he had still amazes me.
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Daily Dose #10: Nothing on Me (Opening Scene of Shadow of a Doubt)
in The Master of Suspense: 50 Years of Hitchcock
Posted
For starters, y'all don't even know how excited I was to hear that this film was one of Hitch's all-time favorites! It is my absolute favorite classic film. I was so thrilled, haha.
1. As mentioned in the curator's note, this scene operates as a prelude to the main story. What do learn about the character of Uncle Charlie in this prelude? Be specific.
The first time I watched Shadow of a Doubt, I didn't think too much of it at first... not until the music changed after the discussion about Uncle Charlie's "two friends". Then I began to instantly wonder what could be different about this man; his indifference to the stack of money was brought back to my attention (especially why he had that much cash in the first place). It's obvious he is hiding something, and the cat and mouse theme is set up brilliantly in the piece that winds through the streets following this daily dose.
2. In what ways does this opening remind you of watching a film noir? If it doesn't remind you of a film noir, what makes the opening here different from the opening of a noir film like Siodmak's The Killers? (Note: If you haven't seen The Killers, it is fine to answer this question in general terms about your own personal expectations)
Uncle Charlie's living space, coupled with the devil-may-care attitude in the first two minutes. The intensity right from the start. The music spiraling down with the blind, as well as the darkness settling over Uncle Charlie's face. Something I hadn't noticed before is that the house number is '13'... I'm not sure when 13 was first considered "unlucky", but that gave me pause this viewing! The detectives are always a key element, as well.
3. As we move into Hitchcock's Hollywood years, his scores will take on more importance than they did during the British years. Music will play a big role in Shadow of a Doubt. The film's score is by Dimitri Tiomkin, the first of four film scores that the composer will create for Hitchcock. What effect does the Tiomkin score have on the mood, atmosphere, and even the pace of this opening scene?
The beginning stanzas give that eerie sort of feeling that follows later in the film with the waltz motif. It's happy in one sense, but foreboding in the other. It seems quite out of place. I do appreciate Hitch's ability to forgo sound as well, however; as the two are speaking there's nothing to be heard. The atmosphere becomes electric in a way. (like The Birds!) And then it completely turns on its head, and that's when I first knew something was wrong with Uncle Charlie the first time I watched this film. Now it gives me a strange sort of anticipation- especially when he stalks right past the two detectives. (Joseph Cotten- yowzas!)