Saturday 18 September 2010
Monday 6 September 2010
Why I Picked Strangers On A Train
What I liked about Strangers on a Train was that the subject of switching murders was made clear from the very start of the film and the viewer is then caught up with the intrigue of the plot and interest is maintained throughout.
I also thought that the subject of switching murders was unusual with each individual having no motive whatsoever for committing the other persons murder. The plot was well thought out and I was particularly impressed with the merry-go-round crash scene towards the end.
Hitchcock uses natural light; shadows formed by buildings and the brim of hats to form contrasts well. I liked the scene where Bruno meets Guy outside of his house to inform him that he has murdered his wife; the two talking through metal-railed gates, reminiscent of prison bars, confirms Guy’s hopeless situation and enhances the moment. This could be recreated with any metal-railed gates, possibly on location with a full moon, or with a prop in the studio.
Hitchcock has cleverly used props to help capture dramatic moments, such as the silhouette of Bruno strangling Miriam is captured through the reflection of the unbroken concave lens of her spectacles laying on the floor. The distorted shapes only serve to increase the horror of the scene. I would like to be able to recreate this shot, the advantage of it is that Bruno and Miriam are distorted figures in the shot but to capture the strangulation in the reflection will require a selection of sunglasses and selective lighting to bring about the best recreation.
The film has its comical moments too. The scene where Bruno bursts the annoying boy in the cowboy outfit’s balloon made me laugh. This too could be recreated quite easily with a spot of fancy dress. The film ends on a comical point too when a vicar repeats Bruno’s opening remark whilst on a train and Guy just ups and leaves without saying a word!
Bruno likes to use the word “criss-cross” a lot which is unusual and we (English) would have used the word switch. Criss-cross is to mark with cross lines like an “x” but criss-cross is a regular feature in the film and starts with the departure of the train with camera angle low to capture the train travelling over the points. The American for points is “switch” and I thought that photographing some points would recapture this scene. Having looked at a few locations much of the points at stations have been removed over the past 50 years but locations like Laira or Exeter might prove fruitful. The criss-cross theme is repeated in the tennis racquet logo on the cigarette lighter.
Much of the film is done in a railway carriage. This could easily be recreated either with modern railway stock sitting opposite one another or alternatively using the observation coach on the Torbay Steam Railway would enable a more accurate representation to be made in this more spacious vehicle.
Some fairground scenes could again be brought up to date with current rides, or equally steam fairs around the country do operate merry-go rounds with the horses to make a truer representation of the film.
The scene when Bruno puts his arm down the drain to pick up Guy’s lighter was not convincing. No way would he manage to squeeze through the bars to get his hand down that far. I think that this scene could be reconstructed with some brickwork to reflect the drain; some leaves and a lighter would be easy to acquire.
Another idea I have is to recreate the tennis match scene where the crowd heads are following the ball but Bruno stands out from the crowd as his eyes are permanently fixed upon Guy. To recapture this shot would require to many people but with the right image and copyright approval to use the shot could enable use of manipulation in photo-shop to impose Bruno’s image into the scene.
I also thought that the subject of switching murders was unusual with each individual having no motive whatsoever for committing the other persons murder. The plot was well thought out and I was particularly impressed with the merry-go-round crash scene towards the end.
Hitchcock uses natural light; shadows formed by buildings and the brim of hats to form contrasts well. I liked the scene where Bruno meets Guy outside of his house to inform him that he has murdered his wife; the two talking through metal-railed gates, reminiscent of prison bars, confirms Guy’s hopeless situation and enhances the moment. This could be recreated with any metal-railed gates, possibly on location with a full moon, or with a prop in the studio.
Hitchcock has cleverly used props to help capture dramatic moments, such as the silhouette of Bruno strangling Miriam is captured through the reflection of the unbroken concave lens of her spectacles laying on the floor. The distorted shapes only serve to increase the horror of the scene. I would like to be able to recreate this shot, the advantage of it is that Bruno and Miriam are distorted figures in the shot but to capture the strangulation in the reflection will require a selection of sunglasses and selective lighting to bring about the best recreation.
The film has its comical moments too. The scene where Bruno bursts the annoying boy in the cowboy outfit’s balloon made me laugh. This too could be recreated quite easily with a spot of fancy dress. The film ends on a comical point too when a vicar repeats Bruno’s opening remark whilst on a train and Guy just ups and leaves without saying a word!
Bruno likes to use the word “criss-cross” a lot which is unusual and we (English) would have used the word switch. Criss-cross is to mark with cross lines like an “x” but criss-cross is a regular feature in the film and starts with the departure of the train with camera angle low to capture the train travelling over the points. The American for points is “switch” and I thought that photographing some points would recapture this scene. Having looked at a few locations much of the points at stations have been removed over the past 50 years but locations like Laira or Exeter might prove fruitful. The criss-cross theme is repeated in the tennis racquet logo on the cigarette lighter.
Much of the film is done in a railway carriage. This could easily be recreated either with modern railway stock sitting opposite one another or alternatively using the observation coach on the Torbay Steam Railway would enable a more accurate representation to be made in this more spacious vehicle.
Some fairground scenes could again be brought up to date with current rides, or equally steam fairs around the country do operate merry-go rounds with the horses to make a truer representation of the film.
The scene when Bruno puts his arm down the drain to pick up Guy’s lighter was not convincing. No way would he manage to squeeze through the bars to get his hand down that far. I think that this scene could be reconstructed with some brickwork to reflect the drain; some leaves and a lighter would be easy to acquire.
Another idea I have is to recreate the tennis match scene where the crowd heads are following the ball but Bruno stands out from the crowd as his eyes are permanently fixed upon Guy. To recapture this shot would require to many people but with the right image and copyright approval to use the shot could enable use of manipulation in photo-shop to impose Bruno’s image into the scene.
Friday 3 September 2010
My Thoughts On Rear Window
This film was shot in a single location namely a small apartment that gave views of neighbouring apartments from its rear window. The views into each neighbours apartment through the use of binoculars or long lens is a great use of an established accessories and the detail of what can be gleaned into the detail of their lives is amazing. Rear Window provides voyeuristic tendencies an intriguing insight into the lives’ of Jeff’s neighbours with each apartment having its own sub plot all of which were credible. With the romance between Jeff and Lisa forming an additional sideline, there is a lot in this film to occupy the mind of the viewer.
Initially, I thought that Rear Window would be the film I would like to recreate. The main subject being a photographer made an immediate connection. I thought that the courtyard of the tenement building could have been a painted back scene but other accessories could be easily accessed, wheelchair, binoculars, camera, flash etc. The principle character with his leg(s) in plaster would again be relatively simple tom recreate. Him
Views to consider are Jeff sitting in his wheelchair using his camera and lens, or binoculars, to see what’s going on, this could be in full or partial sunlight. Capturing the salesman as he intends to assault Jeff when he’s blinded by the shot and then bathed in a red glow.
All the above appealed but the large negative would be the lack of opportunity for location photography, which is one of the aims of the assignment.
Initially, I thought that Rear Window would be the film I would like to recreate. The main subject being a photographer made an immediate connection. I thought that the courtyard of the tenement building could have been a painted back scene but other accessories could be easily accessed, wheelchair, binoculars, camera, flash etc. The principle character with his leg(s) in plaster would again be relatively simple tom recreate. Him
Views to consider are Jeff sitting in his wheelchair using his camera and lens, or binoculars, to see what’s going on, this could be in full or partial sunlight. Capturing the salesman as he intends to assault Jeff when he’s blinded by the shot and then bathed in a red glow.
All the above appealed but the large negative would be the lack of opportunity for location photography, which is one of the aims of the assignment.
Wednesday 1 September 2010
My Thoughts On Vertigo
Of the three films selected, I disliked Vertigo the most.
I did not understand the motive for the murder. Gavin is a wealthy shipbuilder, what does he stand to gain by the death of his wife, especially with the suicide verdict and possible refusal of any insurance company to pay out?
I thought that it was too slow particularly the period when Madeleine was under surveillance when Scottie just followed her around the place in silence.
I didn’t like the fact that Hitchcock revealed the plot in the Judy flashback scene. It was too condescending on the viewer to realise what was going on, particularly with the limited number of characters and the likeness between Judy and Madeleine.
After being released from hospital, Scottie met Judy. Judy obviously knew Scottie. Scottie did not know Judy. Having been an important part of the murder of Madeleine, Judy would have run a mile from Scottie being afraid that the former detective would put the pieces together and risked conviction for her part in the murder.
Having murdered his wife, why would Gavin allow Judy to live and risk blackmail or possible conviction?
In my opinion, Vertigo failed to create much inspiration for photo opportunities. There was not a great deal of drama. Scottie hanging from a gutter at the very start was about the best I could come up followed by Scottie’s rescue of Madeleine which could have been recreated at the foot of one of the Tamar Bridges but other scenes to replicate such as Scottie following Madeleine in his car or Scottie observing Madeleine observing Carlotta’s picture at the Gallery quite frankly are a bit dull.
I did not understand the motive for the murder. Gavin is a wealthy shipbuilder, what does he stand to gain by the death of his wife, especially with the suicide verdict and possible refusal of any insurance company to pay out?
I thought that it was too slow particularly the period when Madeleine was under surveillance when Scottie just followed her around the place in silence.
I didn’t like the fact that Hitchcock revealed the plot in the Judy flashback scene. It was too condescending on the viewer to realise what was going on, particularly with the limited number of characters and the likeness between Judy and Madeleine.
After being released from hospital, Scottie met Judy. Judy obviously knew Scottie. Scottie did not know Judy. Having been an important part of the murder of Madeleine, Judy would have run a mile from Scottie being afraid that the former detective would put the pieces together and risked conviction for her part in the murder.
Having murdered his wife, why would Gavin allow Judy to live and risk blackmail or possible conviction?
In my opinion, Vertigo failed to create much inspiration for photo opportunities. There was not a great deal of drama. Scottie hanging from a gutter at the very start was about the best I could come up followed by Scottie’s rescue of Madeleine which could have been recreated at the foot of one of the Tamar Bridges but other scenes to replicate such as Scottie following Madeleine in his car or Scottie observing Madeleine observing Carlotta’s picture at the Gallery quite frankly are a bit dull.
Tuesday 31 August 2010
Rear Window
Photographer Jeff Bridges is hot and bored with a leg in plaster confined to a wheelchair sat by his rear window, which overlooks the courtyard of his tenement building.
Monotony is broken up with visits from his girlfriend (Lisa) and from his physiotherapist (Stella) who warns him of his voyeurism and that he should marry Lisa. Later, Lisa and Jeff argue over their future and he spends the remainder of a wet and humid night, observing a salesman regularly leaving his apartment with a heavy suitcase and returning with it empty.
The morning dawns with Jeff noticing that the salesman’s invalid wife is absent and sees him wrapping up a large saw and knife. Later deliverymen collect a large trunk. Jeff is convinced that the wife has been killed; he contacts a detective friend who discovers that the wife has sent her husband a postcard to say that she’s received the crate.
After the death of a dog, Lisa, Stella and Jeff are all convinced that the salesman is guilty and hatch a plan. Lisa delivers a note and Jeff telephones him with a blackmail ruse and both agree to meet. This gives Lisa opportunity to enter his apartment where she finds his wives’ handbag, jewellery and wedding ring. However the salesman returns to find Lisa in his apartment. Jeff rings the police to save Lisa from being assaulted but she is arrested. Lisa points to the wedding ring that she is wearing, but the salesman also sees and he is aware that Jeff knows of his wives’ disappearance.
Stella leaves to bail Lisa and Jeff rings his detective friend for help. Soon, the salesman enters Jeff’s apartment to find him alone and helpless. Jeff finds his camera and fires a succession of flashbulbs, which temporarily blind his attacker but once vision is restored, a struggle ensues and Jeff is thrown out the window. Jeff grabs the window ledge and shouts for help. The Police make a timely appearance and help to break his fall. The salesman is arrested for murder.
The final scene depicts Jeff back in his wheelchair, sat by the window, this time with two broken legs!
Monotony is broken up with visits from his girlfriend (Lisa) and from his physiotherapist (Stella) who warns him of his voyeurism and that he should marry Lisa. Later, Lisa and Jeff argue over their future and he spends the remainder of a wet and humid night, observing a salesman regularly leaving his apartment with a heavy suitcase and returning with it empty.
The morning dawns with Jeff noticing that the salesman’s invalid wife is absent and sees him wrapping up a large saw and knife. Later deliverymen collect a large trunk. Jeff is convinced that the wife has been killed; he contacts a detective friend who discovers that the wife has sent her husband a postcard to say that she’s received the crate.
After the death of a dog, Lisa, Stella and Jeff are all convinced that the salesman is guilty and hatch a plan. Lisa delivers a note and Jeff telephones him with a blackmail ruse and both agree to meet. This gives Lisa opportunity to enter his apartment where she finds his wives’ handbag, jewellery and wedding ring. However the salesman returns to find Lisa in his apartment. Jeff rings the police to save Lisa from being assaulted but she is arrested. Lisa points to the wedding ring that she is wearing, but the salesman also sees and he is aware that Jeff knows of his wives’ disappearance.
Stella leaves to bail Lisa and Jeff rings his detective friend for help. Soon, the salesman enters Jeff’s apartment to find him alone and helpless. Jeff finds his camera and fires a succession of flashbulbs, which temporarily blind his attacker but once vision is restored, a struggle ensues and Jeff is thrown out the window. Jeff grabs the window ledge and shouts for help. The Police make a timely appearance and help to break his fall. The salesman is arrested for murder.
The final scene depicts Jeff back in his wheelchair, sat by the window, this time with two broken legs!
Sunday 29 August 2010
Vertigo
Ex-detective (Scottie) is forced to retire after suffering from vertigo but whilst convalescing accepts a job from an old friend (Gavin) to follow his wife (Madeleine) whom he suspects as being possessed by a dead person. Scottie witnesses Madeleine travelling to various locations connected with Carlotta Valdes (possibly her Great Grandmother) however, whilst at the bottom of the Golden Gate Bridge, Madeleine jumps into the water but Scottie rescues her. During his observations of Madeleine, Scottie falls in love and is determined to discover what is burdening her. He learns of Carlotta’s past and her suicide at 26. Madeleine is the same age.
Madeleine tells Scottie about a recurring dream when he recognises that the place she describes is the Mission she visited during his surveillance. He decides to take her there, hoping to dispel the dream and cure her psychosis. At the Mission, Madeleine climbs the bell tower but Scottie’s vertigo prevents him from following. He does see her fall to her death.
After Madeleine’s death, Scottie is distraught and his mental state deteriorates after the Coroner stated that he could have done more to save Madeleine. The verdict tips Scottie over the edge; he becomes mute and placed in a psychiatric hospital.
After leaving hospital Scottie meets Judy Barton (a Madeleine look-alike) and pesters her for a date. Prior to which, Judy has a flashback where Gavin hired Judy as Madeleine’s double and deliberately led Scottie to the tower where Gavin waited with the real Madeleine, who he pushed out of the tower, fully aware that Scottie’s vertigo would stop him from climbing to the top.
Judy’s relationship with Scottie blossomed despite him forcing her to change her appearance to resemble Madeleine. On one occasion, Judy decides to wear Madeleine’s pendant. Scottie instantly recognised it and confronts Judy by returning to the bell tower where she is forced to climb the tower, this time he follows; is cured of vertigo and is able to make sense of Gavin’s plot to kill his wife. Scottie realises that he didn’t know Madeleine at all whereupon Judy declares her love for him but is surprised by the sudden appearance of a nun and ironically, falls from the tower to her death.
Madeleine tells Scottie about a recurring dream when he recognises that the place she describes is the Mission she visited during his surveillance. He decides to take her there, hoping to dispel the dream and cure her psychosis. At the Mission, Madeleine climbs the bell tower but Scottie’s vertigo prevents him from following. He does see her fall to her death.
After Madeleine’s death, Scottie is distraught and his mental state deteriorates after the Coroner stated that he could have done more to save Madeleine. The verdict tips Scottie over the edge; he becomes mute and placed in a psychiatric hospital.
After leaving hospital Scottie meets Judy Barton (a Madeleine look-alike) and pesters her for a date. Prior to which, Judy has a flashback where Gavin hired Judy as Madeleine’s double and deliberately led Scottie to the tower where Gavin waited with the real Madeleine, who he pushed out of the tower, fully aware that Scottie’s vertigo would stop him from climbing to the top.
Judy’s relationship with Scottie blossomed despite him forcing her to change her appearance to resemble Madeleine. On one occasion, Judy decides to wear Madeleine’s pendant. Scottie instantly recognised it and confronts Judy by returning to the bell tower where she is forced to climb the tower, this time he follows; is cured of vertigo and is able to make sense of Gavin’s plot to kill his wife. Scottie realises that he didn’t know Madeleine at all whereupon Judy declares her love for him but is surprised by the sudden appearance of a nun and ironically, falls from the tower to her death.
Wednesday 25 August 2010
Strangers On A Train
Bruno Anthony is an unemployed socialite who has a chance meeting with professional tennis player Guy Haines on a train.
Both men have their own personal problem. Bruno wishes that his father was dead for no other reason than he keeps getting on his back to do something in his life. Guy and his wife are estranged and he wants a divorce that will allow him to marry Anne Morton a daughter of a senator. Bruno is aware of Guy’s predicament and suggests swapping murders. Guy does not take the proposition seriously and refuses. He makes a big mistake by leaving his lighter on the train.
Guy’s divorce proceedings come to a halt when his wife refuses. When Bruno hears of the news, he acts quickly and murders Patricia Haines at a fairground. Bruno immediately informs Guy that his wife is dead and thereafter continuously pesters him to murder his father. Eventually Guy is forced to inform the father of Bruno’s plans but under the pretext to murder him. However, Bruno is alive to the ruse and exchanges places with his father.
Guy’s refusal leaves Bruno with no choice but to plant Guy’s lighter at the murder scene. Guy reluctantly informs Anne Morton of the situation as she helps him escape his Police escort to get to the fairground. Bruno is already there waiting for darkness to plant the evidence, however he is recognised and the Police are informed of his presence. In his bid to escape Bruno jumps on a merry-go-round and is followed by Guy. They fight; Police arrive and contrive to shoot the ride operator, who in his dying moment puts the merry-go-round in to top speed. This forces a belt to snap, the ride is out of control and self-destructs. Bruno is trapped in the wreckage but continues to lie to Police about his involvement in the murder but when he dies, his palm opens to reveal Guy’s lighter giving a conclusion that good has triumphed over evil.
Both men have their own personal problem. Bruno wishes that his father was dead for no other reason than he keeps getting on his back to do something in his life. Guy and his wife are estranged and he wants a divorce that will allow him to marry Anne Morton a daughter of a senator. Bruno is aware of Guy’s predicament and suggests swapping murders. Guy does not take the proposition seriously and refuses. He makes a big mistake by leaving his lighter on the train.
Guy’s divorce proceedings come to a halt when his wife refuses. When Bruno hears of the news, he acts quickly and murders Patricia Haines at a fairground. Bruno immediately informs Guy that his wife is dead and thereafter continuously pesters him to murder his father. Eventually Guy is forced to inform the father of Bruno’s plans but under the pretext to murder him. However, Bruno is alive to the ruse and exchanges places with his father.
Guy’s refusal leaves Bruno with no choice but to plant Guy’s lighter at the murder scene. Guy reluctantly informs Anne Morton of the situation as she helps him escape his Police escort to get to the fairground. Bruno is already there waiting for darkness to plant the evidence, however he is recognised and the Police are informed of his presence. In his bid to escape Bruno jumps on a merry-go-round and is followed by Guy. They fight; Police arrive and contrive to shoot the ride operator, who in his dying moment puts the merry-go-round in to top speed. This forces a belt to snap, the ride is out of control and self-destructs. Bruno is trapped in the wreckage but continues to lie to Police about his involvement in the murder but when he dies, his palm opens to reveal Guy’s lighter giving a conclusion that good has triumphed over evil.
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