(1960) Alfred Hitchcock
PRODUCED BY: Shamley Productions
DISTRIBUTED BY: Paramount Pictures (full list)
BUDGET: $800k
BOX OFFICE: $32m US, $50m Worldwide
RATINGS: IMDB 8.6
MY RATING:
WIKI, OFFICIAL SITE
The slow panning sequence is of complete contrast to the fast paced, almost maniacle titles. Exposition is provided in the form of captions.
The camera takes in the vast expanse of the city; but a gentle zoom suggests that it is searching for something.
The change in captions each signal a shot change; the opening isn't actually one sequence. However, the presence of the same titles acts as a visual bridge that links each successive shot together in the audience's mind and makes the changes harder to spot.
There are feelings of voyeurism as we spy on a couple getting dressed in a hotel room. Plenty of exposition comes from the exchange of dialogue between them, and we learn about their relationship.
The very sedate, romantic opening is completely at odds with the ideas we have collected about the film; that it's a thriller featuring a psychopathic killer. In a sense, the entire opening acts as a red herring and throws us off the scent, although there are a few hints to later developments.
Dialogue reveals that they are both living unfulfilled lives; unable to get the jobs they want and owing money to other people. This desperate attitude sets the events of the film in motion.
Throughout the scene the emphasis is on Marion; the camera framing her in the foreground with far more close up shots. Sam is off-centre in nearly every shot, and as a result feels more distant in the mind of the audience.
Again, although this shot is of Sam, he is off-centre and facing away from the camera, staring over the city below. The window has many connotations, including escape, hope and desire.
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