Color Motif in the Film Vertigo by Albert Hitchcock

563 Words2 Pages

The color motif extensively incorporated in the mise-en-scene of Vertigo by Alfred Hitchcock is apparent through many scenes. Two complementary colors on the color wheel, red and green, are repeatedly amalgamated into various elements of each scene. Starting with the opening credits, and continuing throughout the film, red and green are used to represent characters and ideas in order to reinforce the narrative.
The opening credits set the tone for the rest of the film by introducing the color red and the fear associated with it. Prior to revealing the introduction of this color motif, the woman’s face appears to be apathetic. Suddenly, everything in the frame, including her face, dramatically changes to bright red. This is followed by the widening of her eyes and the dilation of her pupils, corresponding to an alarmed and insecure state. This suggests that the color red symbolizes fear and uneasiness. The word “vertigo” then comes zooming out of her eye, to introduce the film’s title and also propose that the color red corresponds to this specific phobia.
Scottie develops two obs...

Open Document