Examine Alfred Hitchcock’s Style and Techniques for Making Suspense

Each text/video on the Module 14 Overview page discusses issues related to Hitchcock style. Through these materials you’ll learn about several different film techniques, storylines, and concepts that Hitchcock uses to create his suspenseful cinematic vision.

Select 2 different techniques from each of the 4 texts for a total of 8. You will have 2 from the PowerPoint, 2 from the first video, and 2 from the second video, and 2 from the third video. Make a list of your 8 techniques and then write a corresponding paragraph (4-5 sentences) for each one. Each paragraph should have:

• The name of the technique or concept
• A quick description of the technique
• An explanation of how the concept is seen in Strangers on a Train
• A detailed explanation of the effects of that technique or concept has on the audience (you).

Here are a collection of possible concepts or techniques that might help you get started:

• Faces: showing emotion, size of the images, close-ups
• Shots/Camera Work: wide shots, moving camera, point of view shots, montage
• Perspective: information given to the audience about danger
• Themes: arbitrary universe, innocence assaulted, shared guild, doppleganger,
• Other Techniques: camera angles, lighting, composition, crosscutting, sound, acting.
• Read/View the PowerPoint: Alfred Hitchcock: mini-bio, history, and techniques: Hitchcock PowerPoint.ppt or Hitchcock PDF.pdf
• View The Birds – How the suspense works
• View Psycho – How Hitchcock manipulates the audience
• View Hitchcock discuss editing
• Watch the film: Strangers on a Train – Alfred Hitchcock