This essay is to be both a research paper and a formal analysis of two films directed by Alfred Hitchcock, Rear Window and Vertigo.
If you are unsure how to search for books, journal articles or other resources, feel free to contact the campus library. Reference Librarians are very helpful and can direct you to resources you will need to satisfactorily complete the research essay.
Essay Format and Length:
- Essays must be typed and double spaced in MLA format.
- 5-7 pages (including a required “Works Cited” page).
- A film analysis paper discussing Hitchcock’s employment of film elements to create a feeling of suspense.
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- Answer each of the three (3) following questions using your knowledge of the elements of film.
- The final question will require academic research to back up your opinions.
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Source Citation
- Please refer to the MLA Handbook for more information on how to cite references MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers
- Proper credit must be given for any citations, quotations, or ideas that are not your own that are cited in your paper.
- Improper or absent citations are automatically considered plagiarism.
Film Citation
- Both films must be cited in your Works Cited list at the end of your paper.
- In-text citations from scenes in the films must include tingestamps. Use the film citations examples below as a guide.
- In-text:
- (Rear Window 01:15:15-01:20:03)
- (Vertigo. 1:25:15-01:40:05)
• Works Cited:
- Rear Window. Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, performances by James Stewart and Grace Kelly. Paramount Pictures, 1954.
- Vertigo. Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, performances by James Stewart and Kim Novak. Warner Brothers, 1958.
A Note on Plagiarism:
- Plagiarism and other forms of cheating are subject to investigation by the office of Academic Integrity.
- Any evidence of plagiarism will result in an automatic failing grade.
- All papers will be scanned through SafeAssign- anti-plagiarism detection software.
- 1. How does Alfred Hitchcock create suspense? (2-3 pages)
- Choose one scene from each film to analyze
- For each scene, describe Hitchcock’s employment of ALL of the following elements of film we have explored this semeste
- Editing
- Shots / Camera movement
- Lighting
- Sound & music
- Mise-en-scene
Final Paper Question #2
2. In your opinion, do the main titles and opening sequences provide a framework to set up the larger themes and events of each film? How? (1-2 pages)
- Describe how Hitchcock gives insight into the events to come in the first few minutes of each film
- Use at least two (2) elements of film making to support your answer (from Question 1)
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3. When did critics/audiences begin writing about how Hitchcock created a sensation of suspense?
At the time of each film’s release? Or in later analysis? (1-2 pages)- Give at least one (1) example from film reviews published in 1954 and 1958 (the year of each film’s release)
- Give at least one (1) example from film reviews/analysis written after 1954 and 1958 (a more current analysis)
- Each example should discuss at least one (1) of the elements of film listed in Question 1
3b. Compile a Works Cited list using MLA format to cite each of the sources used within the paper (1 page)
- Question 3 will require you to locate original 1954 and 1958 newspaper and magazine reviews as well as more recent material to support your answer
- This question will require the use of at least three (3) sources
- These sources may include:
- Original and later film reviews (New York Times, Variety Magazine, Cinema Today)
- Books about specific films or directors (filmographies, biographies, and autobiographies)
- Video and audio interviews (must be cited properly and written transcription-style in your finished essay
- Critical essays by notable film historians (Rudy Behlmer, Leonard Maltin, Roger Ebert)