In the opening sequence for Alfred Hitchcock's 'Vertigo'. The first clue we are given as to what genre of film it is going to be is the high pitched, repetitive tune that instantly tells us we are about to watch a thriller. As the production logos fade out the first shot of the film is a pale woman's cheek and slowly the camera moves over to focus on her red painted lips. The music then quietens down for a moment before racing up in volume and down in pitch and the first name, 'JAMES STEWART', - all in capitals - shoots toward the ladies lips. The same process is repeated twice (showing both eyes, then just the one). Fear is conveyed on her face and this is another big hint as to what type of movie it is. The whole picture is then turned red and in the distance of her eye there is something growing bigger. It is the name of the film (VERTIGO), again in capitals. It zooms past the screen and now we see a small spiral in her pupil that is becoming more and more opaque until the image of the lady has completely disappeared.
Now there are several names all in a column and the spiral is getting larger and it gives way to a more intricate, more complex circular design which again gives way to another - each with their own set of titles. The accompanying soundtrack is now becoming louder and there is a lot of brass heard within the track. This whole set of visualisations is repeated for about a minute and a half until the intricate patterns fade back to the original picture of the woman's horror filled eye and we are shown the final credit which reads 'DIRECTED BY ALFRED HITCHCOCK'.
The music drops slowly out along with the footage. This is an effective opening sequence because it sets the film up for the genre but also leaves a lot of mystery for the viewers to enjoy throughout the majority of the film. The question of 'is this lady going to be killed?' and 'how?' and 'why?' are asked. Also, 'what is the relevance of all these strange patterns and shapes?'
-C.W-
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