North by Northwest

North by Northwest is a film that was made in 1959 and was directed by Alfred Hitchcock. The main character, Roger Thornhill, was mistaken for a government agent, kidnapped, assaulted, and framed with murder. Let's just say whatever could've gone wrong, did go wrong! I found this movie very interesting to watch despite when it was made. Usually old movies do not appeal to me, but this one had me laughing and on the edge of my seat the whole time. Although it wasn't as advanced or technical as movies today there were definitely many similarities and tricks that are still used.


Some techniques I noticed were establishing shots, over-the-shoulder shots, point of view shots, as well as, cross cutting. An establishing shot is used to provide an overview of the scene to show where the action would take place. For example, while Thornhill was in the car he saw the sign "Townsend" which is where he was interrogated by who he thought was Mr. Lester Townsend only to find on later on that the was not the case. Another establishing shot was toward the end of the film on Mt. Rushmore. This also builds suspense as a master shot because it shows all of the actors' positions as they climb down the rock to escape.


The second technique I noticed was over-the-shoulder shots. An example of this was during the train ride when Thornhill and Eve Kendall were having a conversation. Every time she spoke the camera would switch to her and when Thornhill spoke it would switch to him but you would always see over Kendall's shoulder. Another example of this is when the 180-degree rule is used while Thornhill and Vandamm are having a conversation in the restaurant. As the two men discuss their plans the camera switches between the two where both characters are visible. The 180-degree rule allows each character to remain on the same side of the screen, which minimizes any possible confusion on the part of the audience as cuts occur. (Engaging Cinema, page 44)


Thirdly, the point-of-view shot example can be seen when Thornhill is locked in the room at the Townsend. The camera starts on him looking out the window, switches to see the two men he is looking at, and then switches back to him to see his reaction to what he sees outside. Point-of-view shots show us what the character sees by making the camera's perspective match the character's. (Engaging Cinema, pg 42)


Finally, crosscutting can be seen in most of the movie when Thornhill is running from the police or the men out to get him. The camera would alternate between him running and the pursuit. This can be seen as building suspense because you're wondering if he's going to get caught or not. Another example of this is when Kendall was about to fall on Mt. Rushmore and Thornhill was trying to save her. Cross cutting is when the film cuts back between two different actions. (Engaging Cinema, page 45)


The film review I read was called North by Northwest. It argued that North by Northwest was Hitchcock's most accomplished effort. "It keeps the viewer guessing but also answers questions in a timely fashion." I would definitely have to agree with that. You didn't have to wait forever to guess what the government was up to and that Kaplan didn't really exist.


I enjoyed watching this film because it reminded me of a modern day movie "The Tourist" with Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp. I never thought I would enjoy a movie from the 50's but Hitchcock definitely made it worthwhile.