andicandi

Identify elements of the "Hitchcock style" in this sequence? Please provide specific examples. Even if you are not sure if it is the "Hitchcock style," what images or techniques stand out in your mind as powerful storytelling? Or images that provide an excess of emotion? A large part of what makes a Hitchcock film is the music and even though this was a silent film he was still able to use the soundtrack to emphasize the mood he wanted to create. A few other examples are facial expression, in this film particularly, including the woman "screaming" in the opening sequence and the jokes he throws in even when dealing with a serious topic such as murder. The example of this is the newspaper boy saying Tuesdays are his lucky day as murders always happen on Tuesdays.

Hitchcock has an abundant sense of humor which is noticeable in all of his films and is hinted at here. I don't know that I would have guessed this was a film of his but once you know you see glimpses of that humor in the man smoking next to the "no smoking sign", the The next element is his choice of actors. His characters are always interesting and this film is no different. Even though it is a silent film the actor's facial expressions and Patsy Brand's "gift" to the creepy admirer still make this film quirky and interesting.