Hitchcock Discover Americas Analysis

The filmic elements presented in this scene relate to the ideas and themes of this film in a few different ways. The theme of trust is a major theme presented using filmic elements in this sequence. Throughout this sequence Alicia really wants Devlin to believe in her, have faith in her, to trust that she had been able to change. The whole movie has a theme revolving around trust, Devlin who doesn't trust enough, especially when it comes to Alicia; Sebastian who trusts too much which ultimately leads to his demise; and Alicia who's need for trust and acceptance and need to be loved becomes more apparent as the film goes on, especially by her true love interest Devlin. The opening scene of this film, where Devlin and Alicia first meet is where …show more content…
This quote helps to show the identity crisis Alicia is going through throughout the film. While she wishes to change her ways and stop being perceived as a "loose women" or someone who is not to be respected, she must maintain this image and perception of herself in order to prove that she loves America and that she is not a traitor just like her father. Unfortunately in her case, she had to choose the "lesser of two evils" to be perceived as, either a prostitute or a traitor. She chose to help America and rid herself of the "traitor" perception which in a way was a wise decision. After undoing the traitor image, she could easily try to undo the perception of being a prostitute or at least become a changed woman. Although either way she would be damaging her reputation as respectable human being, which is worse? Being a traitor in the country you love or being a prostitute. Both are pretty bad but being a traitor is more likely to cause irreparable damage to her reputation than