Topic: Signature filmmaking techniques of Alfred Hitchcock in the

1960s and 70s.

Research Question: To what extent do Alfred Hitchcock's signature

filmmaking techniques make his films, Psycho and Rear Window, stand out
as opposed to others?

Thesis Statement: Hitchcock’s films, Psycho and Rear Window, stand out to a significant
extent compared to other films during this time period with innovative film techniques involving
plot, cinematography, camera angles, and mise en scene.

Topic Sentence 1: Hitchcock utilizes camera angles through experimentation with subjective
angles which creates the sense of voyeurism.

Paragraph Talking Points:

- This helps narrow in attention on specific details, causing the viewer to pay close
attention and pick up on subtleties to fully understand plot points.
- The viewers are directed into a point of view chosen specifically by Hitchcock so that
they can pick up on exactly what Hitchcock wants them to.
- This creates a suspense building effect because certain aspects of the plot may be left
inconclusive to draw in the viewer.

Topic Sentence 2: Hitchcock constructs his plot through a general use of resonating themes,
especially for the time period, such as fear of authority and misogyny or feminine sexuality.

Paragraph Talking Points:

- Many of his films, including Rear Window and Psycho, include a female blonde character
that the conflict is centered around to emphasize this second theme.
- Fear of authority is portrayed heavily in Psycho, where Norman’s mother is so taken
aback and controlled by his mother despite the fact that she’s dead.
- Hitchcock not only focused on the sexualization of women during the time period, but
also emphasized the struggles and oppression they experienced from men.

Topic Sentence 3: Hitchcock takes advantage of mise en scene through his level of detail
within his set design to depict themes and instill suspense.

Paragraph Talking Points:

- In Rear Window, the set design of Jeff’s apartment corresponds or connects to the set of
Ms. Torso’s apartment which portrays the theme of feminine sexuality.
- The set design surrounding Jeff’s apartment almost traps us in his world in a sense,
letting us experience his perspective.
- Hitchcock manipulates set design to once again help us realize certain subtleties that
reveal key details in the plot.
Sources:
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https://ksamaarchvis.wordpress.com/2015/12/08/the-importance-of-set-design-in-hitchcocks-rea
r-window/comment-page-1/

https://www.jstor.org/stable/43799006?searchText=Banash%2C%20David.%20%22Alfred%20Hi
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https://nofilmschool.com/alfred-hitchcock-cinematography

https://nofilmschool.com/rear-window-cinematography