Films of Alfred Hitchcock - Assignment Example

Films of Alfred Hitchcock I find North by Northwest an intriguing film filled with suspense that it scares the audience. In this film, Hitchcock depicts his expertise in developing an active mood alongside suspense throughout the story. The film offers a new level of suspense compared to Hitchcock’s other films. The theme of mistaken identity is closely intertwined with suspense, a factor that makes the audience remain interested in the story. Every viewer would want to know what happens in the end.

The film centers of Roger Thornhill, who accidentally answers to the name George Kaplan. After he answers to this name, he is immediately mistaken for the CIA agent, named George Kaplan ("North by Northwest"). Throughout the story, Roger tries to make everyone believe that he is not Kaplan. His life becomes a nightmare because he is being tracked down. The abduction of Roger and his desperation when he tries to explain that he knows nothing about Kaplan defines one of the intriguing scenes in the film.

The case of mistaken identity is the film is one of the interesting aspects that viewers are interested in. Roger’s effort to clear his name and prove that he is not Kaplan failed terribly. The fact that even his mother does not believe him makes his case more complicated. Hitchcock’s expertise in developing an intriguing plot is evident because Roger finds himself facing murder charges. There is evidence of a photograph depicting him holding a weapon. Therefore, it is impossible for Roger to deny the charges.

The suspense of the story surrounds Roger’s mistaken identity. Roger is determined to find the true Kaplan something that all the viewers are interested in (Wakelin 86). However, at the end of the movie, it is revealed that George Kaplan does not exist. Roger plays his role extremely well, making the suspense so realistic. He finds himself in a strange world without anyone to turn to because he is unable to prove his innocence. He depicts his desperation to find the true Kaplan to clear his name.

He is the favorite character for many viewers because the entire story surrounds him. A close analysis of the film reveals that Roger faces a great deal of isolation. The viewers understand that he does not have a family of his own and he faces a critical case of mistaken identity. In his desperation, nobody believes that he is innocent. It is unfortunate that even his mother does not trust his story. He faces extreme danger, especially after he is framed for murder. He seems to be alone and against the entire world.

The cinematography of the film serves to enhance his isolation. The scene where Roger is leaving the United Nations building illustrates him as a loner who is running away from the building ("North by Northwest"). In a different scene, he is seen on a deserted road desperately waiting for Kaplan. Without a doubt, the themes of mistaken identity and isolation are evident in Roger’s life. Hitchcock succeeds in developing both the character and the themes, therefore, producing an intriguing work for the audience.

Questions1. How is North by Northwest different from his other films?2. Does the director of North by Northwest succeed?Work Cited"North by Northwest." Boston Phoenix 37.23 (2008): 39. Supplemental Index. Web. 20 June 2015.Wakelin, Milo. "North by Northwest 50Th Anniversary Edition." Gay Times (09506101) 375 (2009): 86. LGBT Life with Full Text. Web. 20 June 2015.