Join us at HOME, in partnership with the BFI, for this Film A Level study session.
This event will focus on the application of the auteur theory to Vertigo (1958), considered by critics and film historians as the ultimate Hitchcock film, conveying his personal vision at the peak of his artistic talents.
Hitchcock’s status as a director rose just as the notion of the film ‘auteur’ was in its ascendancy. As a producer and director at Paramount, Hitchcock had more autonomy over his films than most directors working in the studio era.
We will consider the development of the auteur theory and its relevance to Vertigo and apply the theory through analysis of key sequences.
There will also be a screening of the film, offering a unique chance to see this masterpiece in the format for which it was created!
The session will be led by Rebecca Ellis, course leader of the Film & TV BA at the University of Wales. Prior to this, Rebecca led the design, implementation, delivery and assessment of the reformed GCSE and A Level Film Studies qualifications for WJEC/Eduqas Examining Body between 2016 – 2022. She has over 12 years’ experience lecturing in Film Studies and designing training programmes for young adults. Rebecca has worked closely with the British Film Institute to support their Future Learning and Skills strategy to ensure the relevance and validity of post-16 qualifications including advising on diversity in film panels and delivering sessions annually at the BFI Media Teacher’s Conference.
Screening: Vertigo
Dir Alfred Hitchcock / USA
128 Minutes
Alfred Hitchcock’s timeless thriller about obsession focuses on a former detective with a fear of heights who is hired to follow a woman apparently possessed by the past. Acclaimed on release, the film has subsequently increased in stature and is frequently considered one of the greatest films ever made.
