North By Northwest

Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, North by Northwest is one of the most iconic thrillers in history.

Establishing shot:

Whenever a new scene occurs, Hitchcock utilizes an establishing shot to provide overview to a scene.  After Mr. Vandamm’s associates kidnap Roger Thornhill, there are numerous establishing shots providing an overview of the location Roger is being taken to, Townsend Mansion.  When the movie progresses and locations change, Hitchcock utilizes establishing shots at the United Nation’s complex, the Chicago bus stop, and Mount Rushmore.  These establishing shots allow audience members to understand what is going on and where the succeeding scene is occurring.


Shot Reverse shot:

The second editing technique used in North by Northwest is the shot reverse shot pattern.  When Roger Thornhill first encounters Phillip Vandamm, Alfred Hitchcock uses the reverse shot pattern throughout the conversation.  The shot reverse shot pattern allows the viewer to see the reaction of the character’s faces more closely, which adds suspense to the film.  If a master shot was used, the viewer would feel more distant from the story and the suspense would be lacking.

Discontinuity techniques:

Discontinuity techniques can help depict a character as either the protagonist or the antagonist.  When Thornhill first meets Eve, she is wearing a white dress with plenty of skin showing, depicting her as a “good” person who is helping Roger escape from police.  While Eve Kendall is off-screen, the viewer learns that she is an agent for the evil Mr. Vandamm.  The next scene, we find Kendall wearing a thick, black coat, depicting her as a “bad” person.  Using this
discontinuity technique emphasizes Eve’s                                                                                               transition from a helpful person to a secret                                                                                             agent, which helps the viewer follow the story                                                                                         and adds suspense.