Alfred Hitchcock's "Strangers on a Train"

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses that, in "Strangers on a Train", Alfred Hitchcock does not state openly the theme but rather gives the viewer clues in his frequent use of double images. The author points out that a double image in the film signals that the viewer is about to see an enactment of opposites in the characters of the story, which are not necessarily visible physically but often indicate the character's internal qualities. The paper explains that double images in "Strangers on a Train" signal conflict about to occur in the story (especially relating the characters), represent the protagonist's inner thoughts, fears and desires, and represent Bruno as part of the dark side of Guy's psyche.

From the Paper:

"When Bruno suggests that they each have someone to get rid of--he his father and Guy his wife--and that they should "exchange murders," Guy doesn't take him seriously. He thinks Bruno is eccentric. As Guy gets off the train, he laughingly says he agrees with everything Bruno suggests. Guy leaves his unique cigarette lighter behind on the train, possibly because he is so anxious to escape from the odd, obnoxious, and overbearing Bruno. The lighter has embossed "double" tennis rackets crossing each other and the inscription "A to G." The image suggests that doubles are a metaphor for double-crossing."

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