Hitchcock and German Expressionism
Thesis statement:
Alfred Hitchcock, known as the “Master of Suspense”, is a very influential filmmaker whose influence on cinema is still evident today. His films continue to inspire and be studied by filmmakers and scholars. However, what were the factors that shaped his unique style? This paper examines how Alfred Hitchcock was influenced by German Expressionism in his filmmaking. To explore this topic, this essay explores Hitchcock’s apprenticeship at the UFA and the early years of his career. This essay analyzes his two films, Shadow of a Doubt 1943 and Notorious 1946, and argues how German Expressionism elements such as lighting techniques, deep focus, and close-ups that Hitchcock adapted to develop his distinctive style of psychological suspense.
Preliminary bibliography of sources in MLA format (Could be added additional references)
Cook, David A. A History of Narrative Film. W.W. Norton et Company, 2016.
Driscoll, Paige. “‘The Hitchcock Touch’: Visual techniques in the work of Alfred Hitchcock.” International ResearchScape Journal, vol. 1, Feb. 2014, https://doi.org/10.25035/irj.01.01.04.
Orr, John. Hitchcock and Twentieth-Century Cinema. Wallflower, 2005.
Preliminary paper outline to follow
How German Expressionism Shaped Hitchcock’s Work
Introduction
Alfred Hitchcock short introduction
Thesis statement
Hitchcock’s Apprenticeship at UFA and Early Career
Hitchcock’s time at the UFA film studio in Germany
Films he worked on during this period of time and how they exposed him to Expressionistic techniques
Analyzing Shadow of a Doubt (1943)
Examining the film’s narrative structure and how it utilizes Expressionistic elements to create suspense.
Analyzing specific scenes in detail, focusing on elements of German Expressionism
Analyzing Notorious (1946)
Analyzing the film’s noir aesthetic and how it connects to German Expressionism
Examining the film’s use of lighting, deep focus, and close-ups to create a sense of entrapment and psychological manipulation
Conclusion
