Vertigo Opening Sequence

The opening sequence gives the spectator an idea of the key themes. The sequence begins with an Extreme Close Up of Madeleine's face, specifically of her lips and cheek. her lips twitch nervously introducing ancietyShe is shown as a series of body parts, not a full person. this encourages her to be introduced as an object, a collection of individual body parts. she is denied an identity. this is one of the key themes of the film. the camera then pans to the right to focus on her lips, however she does not speak indicating that she does not have a voice in the film, signifying her role as a submissive woman through the majority of the film. even though it is her face on the screen, the first name to appear is J Stuart. this represents male superiority and dominance that is shown in the film. the spectator is forces to 'gaze' at Madeleine and her face and we are prepared to view her as an object.