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Alfred Hitchcock: The Legacy of Victorianism in His Films

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Alfred Hitchcock, the master of suspense, was heavily influenced by the Victorian era. This article explores how Victorianism shaped Hitchcock's films, from their themes of guilt and repression to their use of symbolism and atmosphere.

Alfred Hitchcock: The Legacy of Victorianism

by Paula Marantz Cohen

4.2 out of 5

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The Influence of Victorian Morality

Victorian morality was based on a strict code of conduct that emphasized self-control, propriety, and sexual repression. This code of conduct is reflected in Hitchcock's films, which often feature characters who are struggling with guilt and shame over their hidden desires.

For example, in the film Rear Window, the protagonist, L.B. Jeffries, is a wheelchair-bound photographer who becomes obsessed with spying on his neighbors. As he watches them, he becomes increasingly aware of their secrets and desires, and he begins to feel guilty about his own voyeuristic behavior.

Similarly, in the film Vertigo, the protagonist, John "Scottie" Ferguson, is a former police detective who is hired to investigate a woman named Madeleine Elster. As he investigates, he becomes increasingly obsessed with her, and he begins to feel guilty about his own feelings for her.

The Use of Symbolism and Atmosphere

Hitchcock also used symbolism and atmosphere to create a sense of Victorianism in his films. For example, in the film The Birds, the birds represent the repressed desires of the characters. As the birds become more aggressive, the characters become more and more terrified of their own hidden desires.

Similarly, in the film Psycho, the Bates Motel represents the repressed memories of Norman Bates. As Norman's memories begin to surface, the motel becomes more and more sinister and threatening.

The Legacy of Hitchcock's Films

Hitchcock's films have had a lasting impact on cinema. His use of suspense, symbolism, and atmosphere has influenced generations of filmmakers. Today, his films are still considered to be some of the best examples of the horror and suspense genres.

However, Hitchcock's films are also important for their exploration of Victorian themes. Through his films, Hitchcock showed us how the Victorian era continues to influence our culture and our psyches. His films are a reminder that the past is never truly gone, and that the repressed desires of the past can always come back to haunt us.

Alfred Hitchcock was a master of suspense, but he was also a master of Victorianism. His films are a reflection of the Victorian era, and they continue to influence us today. Through his films, Hitchcock showed us how the Victorian era continues to shape our culture and our psyches. His films are a reminder that the past is never truly gone, and that the repressed desires of the past can always come back to haunt us.

Alfred Hitchcock: The Legacy of Victorianism

by Paula Marantz Cohen

4.2 out of 5