Opening Sequences - Vertigo Analysis

Vertigo is a psychological thriller released way back in the 1950's. I've chosen to look at this film as it is dark, mysterious and enigmatic which (Like Jack) is what i want our final opening sequence to be like. I recently watched this film with my great uncle and found the opening very intriguing.

The opening is a mixture of live action and graphics, which were designed by Saul Bass, it introduces the character of Madeleine played by Kim Novak.

The opening (after the graphics) starts with an extreme close up panning shot of a woman. It shows her lips twitching nervously which introduces anxiety and a close examination of the character's physical appearance. Then the camera pans up showing the rest of the woman's face, her eyes. We can see that the female character is clearly on edge and not comfortable with the viewer. This scene introduces some more key conventions of the thriller genre: anxiety, paranoia and the notion of looking. Being watched and being seen watching someone else are also conventions of thrillers.

A shift in the mood introduces the theme of identity and also confirms the sub-genre of the film (Psychological). A set of spiral shapes spinning take place of her eye coming from a distance. When each one vanishes, another replaces it. This gives the effect of falling and possible dizziness. Which is linked to the theme of the film. Many enigmas are made from the opening of this scene. Who is this woman? Why is she on edge? What is she on edge from? Why does it look as if she is paranoid about someone watching her?" This 'hooks' the audience, which is something I want to achieve with my opening sequence. The use of low lighting is quite useful as it helps to contribute to the psychological thriller genre of the film.

I believe this is a good opening sequence as it captures all of the key aspects of a thriller genre. Anxiety, paranoia, a sense of someone watching you. Hopefully with the help of my group, I can achieve something as great as this.

The main thing I can take away from watching this clip is that the use of extreme close ups is very useful. I believe it creates a lot more enigmas and shows a lot more emotion in the character.