vertigo- character profiles

Vertigo character profiles:

the character profiles of each protagonist/antagonist is important to understand when understanding the plot and the intentions of Hitchcock. some common methods that Hitchcock uses to represent personalities is through mise-en-scene. this is common in scenes focusing on Madeleine and Gavin.

Scottie:
- authoritative, respectful, brave, impulsive, stubborn, wants to be independent, seeks adventure/excitement-he quit being a lawyer in order to become a policeman, wants action/danger- quit police force because he can no longer do exciting job, doesn't like to show weakness, likes to appear as masculine, unwilling to confront emotional problems (his fear of heights). easily excited and agitated. tries to be dominant and masculine, and wants to have control.

Midge:
- sophisticated, motherly/caring- cares for Scottie throughout film when he falls ( metaphorically and literally).

Madeleine:
- seductive, elusive, stands out, isolated, mysterious, vain, withdrawn, alluring, lustful and dangerous- displayed through the mist-en-scene of her first appearance- it is a rich red room which provides connotations of romance passion and blood. ghost-like/ethereal.

Gavin:
- dominant/controlling- he is able to be dominant due to his wealth and status as a man, affluent, powerful, manipulative, stuck in the past- doesn't like things changing, he became rich through his job which his wife offered him- he isn't self made. constantly surrounded by luxurious places and affluence. self aware. doesn't show much emotion. always remains relaxed, calm and collected.