2. Learning Objectives
AO2 Apply knowledge
and
Identify key term: understanding, including
some of the common
Themes critical approaches that
characterise the
Motifs Analyse the use of subject, when exploring
Symbols symbols in key and
analysing films to
scenes show how meanings and
responses are generated.
Research the use of Themes, Motifs & Symbols
in Vertigo and create one eight of a film studies
lesson to be taught next week

3. Themes in Vertigo
Write down your own definition of the following
terms:
• Themes
The main subject or idea in a piece of writing, art or
film etc...
• Motifs
Recurring structures, contrasts, or literary devices that
can help to develop and inform the text’s major themes
• Symbols
A thing that represents or stands for something else
e.g. A material object representing something abstract

4. Themes in Vertigo
In your hand outs make a list of the key Themes,
Motifs and Symbols present within Vertigo
Themes Motifs Symbols
• Death as both frightening
and attractive •Sequoia Trees
•The illusion of ‘Romantic •Tunnels and corridors •Green
Love’ •Bouquets of flowers • The Bell Tower
• Male Identity •Spirals • Falling
• Double Identities • Madeleine Clothes • The Grave
• Power & Freedom • Obsession with death
• Rescue Fantasy
• Fetishism

5. Themes, Motifs & Symbols
During Scottie’s pursuit of Madeleine they visit a
forest of Sequoia trees
During this scene we see Scottie’s final attempt to
return Madeleine to a healthy worldview
Watch the following extract and complete an in-depth
analysis of the scenes micro elements and the
‘symbolism’ contained with the scene

6. Sequoia trees
During this scene Scottie tells Madeleine that the tree’s
scientific name means: “Always green, ever living”
making explicit the idea that Sequoia tree’s symbolise life
in the film
They also remind Madeleine of her own mortality
She States “I don’t like it, knowing I have to die”
As Scottie and Madeleine look at the cross-section of the
dead tree, it is suggested that the tree would have gone
on living if not for the intervention of a human
She is simultaneously afraid of dying and afraid of
embracing life – she runs away feeling alienated with life
and wanting to die

7. Themes, Motifs & Symbols
The colour GREEN is a reoccurring motif throughout
Vertigo
The colour green appears frequently, typically in
association with death, obsession and the un-natural
The first time Scottie’s sees Madeleine she stands out
from the rest of the restaurant patrons because of her
bright green stole – giving her a startling and
somewhat unsettling appearance
A motif carried on throughout the film
What do you think of the use of Green during the
forest scene?

8. Researching Vertigo
Using the table from earlier you are to pick
• One Theme
• One Motif
• One Symbol
And analyse their use in Vertigo
You should pick key scenes, analyse them and create a short presentation
detailing your findings
You must also include theory and information you have research!
REMEMEBER: the study of Vertigo is a cottage-industry ! If it’s in Vertigo is has
been written about and placed on line! Find other peoples work and USE IT to
INFORM YOUR OWN OPINIONS!
Your lessons will be used to teach the class next week!

9. Themes, Motifs & Symbols
The colour GREEN is a reoccurring motif throughout
Vertigo
The colour green appears frequently, typically in
association with death, obsession and the un-natural
When we first see Madeleine at Ernies
http://www.slideshare.net/wavemaiden/vertigo-
3807380