Masculinity in Vertigo

In the second appearance of Scottie in Vertigo we get to experience his relationship with Midge, a long-term friend who acts like a mother figure for him. The scene begins with Scottie sitting on an arm chair complaining about wearing a corset, this is feminising him as a corset is normally associated with women. The fact he is complaining about his feelings is also another attribute stereotypically associated with femininity. Throughout the scene Midge constantly treats him like a child, she refers to him as "Johnny boy" and tells him he's "a big boy now" when he asks what the bra is. Scottie is also feminised due to his relationship with Midge as she appears to be the dominant character. We learn she called off their engagement during college so she is now in control of the relationship by rejecting him. As Scottie faints dramatically into Midge's arms his masculinity is damaged and he suddenly adopts a feminine role. Scottie occupies the Hollywood starlet role that is normally associated with women by falling so dramatically into Midges arms.