NORTH BY NORTHWEST - ANALYSIS

What kind of mood do the opening credits establish?

Dramatic and exciting as the music is loud and dramatic

What kind of atmosphere is suggested by the city scenes?

Very busy atmosphere, city life

How does Hitchcock show that Thornhill is at home in the city?

His tone

What kind of film might the audience expect from the opening?  Where might it be set?  What might happen in it?
Mystery-drama
Related to lies
Corruption

HITCHCOCK'S MICRO-ASPECTS ON HIS FILMS:

Innocence in jeopardy
Claustrophobic setting
Too dark
Advanced use of camera
Dramatic background music
Blondes
Villains were thought to be more humorous
Audience to have respect for the villain
Heroes have flaws

AUTEUR THEORY:

History:

• Emerged from french film criticism written in the journal Cahiers du Cinema in 1950s

French Auteur Theory:

• Defined themselves against making films based on film scripts written by literary figures
• The tradition of quality advocated a conservative style of film making but the new French directors focused on style instead of script
• They admired directors such as Hitchcock

Hollywood Auteurs:

• 
  

Auteur - developed:

• Not exclusively directors but can include script writers, stars and producers
• They should manifest a consistency of style and them across their films
• Even a particular  studio or production team can constitute a 'collective auteur'

Hitchcock:

• Born in London

Certain themes are found in his films:

• Shared guilt
• Influence of Catholicism
• Homophobia and misogyny

There are also regular narrative techniques:

• Investigation of a murder
• Suspense
• The perfect murder

Elements of stylistic unity:

• Emphasis on editing and montage
• High number of POV shots
• Shooting in confined spaces

Wim Wenders:

• German film maker

Main themes in his films include:

• Influence of North American Culture