OSHER 490 - The Film of Alfred Hitchcock: Part One 1938 to 1951

Known as "the master of suspense," Hitchcock is notable for having created over 50 films that engaged audiences and for having built a body of work with remarkable similarities -- and differences -- in style, theme, and structure. This class will examine his early films, selecting from The 39 Steps, The Lady Vanishes, Rebecca, Shadow of a Doubt, Notorious, and Strangers on a Train. Motifs examined will be cinematic chiaroscuro (the play of light and dark), skillful creation of anticipation, icy blondes and dominating mother figures, the omnipresence of guilt, and the ability to shoot and edit film in a way that spectators become voyeurs, peering into the private lives of characters and experiencing anticipation and dread. His unique trademarks include his own cameo appearances in each film and a soupcon of humor to increase the suspense.