Vertigo Character Analysis and Opening Sequence

Vertigo Character Analysis and Opening Sequence

The purpose of an opening title sequence is to establish the mood and visual characteristics of a film to introduce the viewer to all or some of the following elements. Vertigo's opening sequence begins with an extreme close up of Madeliene's face, concentrating on her lips and cheeks. Madeliene is introduced as an object, she is shown as a series of body parts, not a full person. She is denied an identity, which is a key theme of Vertigo. The spectator is forced to gaze at Madeliene and her face, preparing them to view her as an object. This perpetuates the theme of women being objects to gaze at. James Stewart's name is shown first, showing male superiority and dominance, yet another theme of Vertigo. The camera pans across Madeliene's mouth and her lips twitch nervously. This introduces the anxiety and a close examination of character's physical appearance as integral themes. Madeliene's switching gaze tells us she is uncomfortable with this scrutiny and invasion of her personal space and identity. A shift in mood is created through the red tint of the graphics and musical score. The colour red signifies danger to passion, love and lust to death. Madeliene embodies all of these emotion and they are what define her character. The theme of spirals is introduced as the credits roll. The spirals connote with vertigo and falling, symbolising Scottie falling for her plan and being consumed by his desire for her. The theme of unstable identity and the internal working of the mind are shown through a mix of live action colour changes.