"Strangers on a Train" and "Vertigo"

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the universal and enduring appeal of Alfred Hitchcock's films. The author defines two films in particular -- "Strangers on a Train" and "Vertigo" as the quintessential Hitchcock films. The author contends that although Hitchcock's films may no longer have the capability to shock their audience, they feature several recurring plot devices that capture the imagination. These plot features include an ingenious criminal scheme, the use of doubles, a guilty person who manages to cast suspicion upon a non-guilty person, and an amoral person being punished. The films "Strangers on a Train" and "Vertigo" demonstrate Hitchcock's best use of those devices.

Outline:
Introduction
Discussion
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Alfred Hitchcock's thrillers, though filmed half a century ago, have maintained their ability to keep an audience enthralled. Part of the initial impact of Hitchcock's thrillers is that they were groundbreaking, and they offered a vision of the ugly side of humanity that had not been explored in cinematic media. However, a modern audience does not experience the same shock at those revelations that the original audience experienced. Therefore, the permanency of the movies' appeal must be attributed to something besides the shock factor. Many attribute the lasting greatness of Hitchcock's thrillers to Hitchcock's use of several important cinematic themes."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Hitchcock, A. (Producer), & Hitchcock, A. (Director). (1951). Strangers on a Train [Motionpicture]. USA: Warner.
• Hitchcock, A. (Producer), & Hitchcock, A. (Director). (1958). Vertigo [Motion picture]. USA:Paramount Pictures.
• Pavelin, A. (Unknown). "Alfred Hitchcock."Retrieved April 18, 2006 from Talking Pictures Web site: http://www.talkingpix.co.uk/Article_Hitchcock%20100.html
• Wikipedia. (2006). "Alfred Hitchcock." Retrieved April 18, 2006 from Wikipedia Web site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfred_Hitchcock

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