The significance of a film is greatly attributed to the atmosphere constructed for the camera. Mise en scene describes the visuality of cinema and encompasses the important elements that determine the consumption of the narrative. It is a factor that becomes ingrained in the filmmaking process and is motivated in creating an effective thematic pattern. Alfred Hitchcock is an acclaimed director known for the continuities of production style in his works. His 1958 film Vertigo utilises the process of mise en scene to create a strong style that subverts into the films thematic framework. Alfred Hitchcock’s attentive approach to mise en scene in Vertigo invites the audience to access the turbulent psyche of his complex characters and the rationale
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Through mise en scene the viewer is immersed in the development of his mindset and motives. Mise en scene is a major part of understanding Scotties acrophobia, which is communicated through angles in which the settings are filmed, modulating the way the audience experience Scottie's frame of mind. In one of Scottie nightmares, Hitchcock uses a medium shot of Scottie walking through the graveyard as a colour filter is used to tint the lens red which represents his obsession. As he approaches the grave of Carlotta Valdes the setting shows his trauma associated with past and his infatuation with death. * Scottie plummets into the grave and we see a surreal close up of James Stewarts face as he uses a melodramatic acting style to show terror as he falls to his imagined death. As the film progresses, this obsession transforms into the intense love he has for Madeline. The way the camera concentrates on aspects mise en scene gives the audience visual indications of Scottie's mourning, as settings from the previous half of the film are reimagined with new intent and emotion. Hitchcock places together a sequence of representational moments that paints an image of Scottie's psychological state. When Scottie sees Madeline’s car in front of the hotel, the setting allows the nature to blend in with the props, the use of the colour green alluding to Madeline’s ghostly aura. Interestingly in one shot, there is a street sign with the words "one way" that points towards the car. The following scene takes place at Ernie’s Restaurant, the location where Madeline is first introduced to the camera. The interior is extravagant with red velvet textured walls that suggest passion and décor which establishes the social class where Madeline belonged. The busy staging of the background actor’s contrasts
Through mise en scene the viewer is immersed in the development of his mindset and motives. Mise en scene is a major part of understanding Scotties acrophobia, which is communicated through angles in which the settings are filmed, modulating the way the audience experience Scottie's frame of mind. In one of Scottie nightmares, Hitchcock uses a medium shot of Scottie walking through the graveyard as a colour filter is used to tint the lens red which represents his obsession. As he approaches the grave of Carlotta Valdes the setting shows his trauma associated with past and his infatuation with death. * Scottie plummets into the grave and we see a surreal close up of James Stewarts face as he uses a melodramatic acting style to show terror as he falls to his imagined death. As the film progresses, this obsession transforms into the intense love he has for Madeline. The way the camera concentrates on aspects mise en scene gives the audience visual indications of Scottie's mourning, as settings from the previous half of the film are reimagined with new intent and emotion. Hitchcock places together a sequence of representational moments that paints an image of Scottie's psychological state. When Scottie sees Madeline’s car in front of the hotel, the setting allows the nature to blend in with the props, the use of the colour green alluding to Madeline’s ghostly aura. Interestingly in one shot, there is a street sign with the words "one way" that points towards the car. The following scene takes place at Ernie’s Restaurant, the location where Madeline is first introduced to the camera. The interior is extravagant with red velvet textured walls that suggest passion and décor which establishes the social class where Madeline belonged. The busy staging of the background actor’s contrasts