LST 517 - Hitchcock: More Than Suspense

Alfred Hitchcock has become synonymous with “suspense” in the minds of most movie goers. This course examines selected Hitchcock films to study how the director created, built, and sustained suspense. His integration of other interdisciplinary areas such as musical scores, aberrant psychological behavior, scenic design and the creation of screen plays based upon other literary mediums will be discussed. How did Hitchcock produce such excellent special effects without the aid of computers? What was his penchant for blond heroines? What is Hitchcock’s artistic legacy to modern film makers? Discussion of each film will be framed around structural analysis of the plot and central characters to identify how Hitchcock achieved his desired effect while having to deal with early issues of film censorship and studio control. This course provides an opportunity to experience firsthand the creative genius of one of the most influential film directors of the twentieth century.

Credits: 3