In my bachelor thesis I want to focus on the destruction and recreation of the “Hitchcock Blonde” in The Birds and Marnie. Hitchcock’s preference for blonde women appears like a leitmotif through all his films. As director he has the possibility to act out his position of power towards the Blonde. At first, Hitchcock creates her after his imaginations, then destructs her and finally builds her up again. Primarily in The Birds it becomes clear.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- The role of the Hitchcock Blonde
- Dial M for Murder
- Rear Window
- New approaches:
- The Birds (1963)
- Marnie (1964)
- The destruction and re-creation of the "Hitchcock Blonde" in:
- The destruction and re-creation of the "Hitchcock Blonde" in The Birds
- The destruction and re-creation of the "Hitchcock Blonde" in Marnie
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This bachelor thesis examines the destruction and recreation of the "Hitchcock Blonde" character archetype in Alfred Hitchcock's films *The Birds* and *Marnie*. The paper analyzes how Hitchcock utilizes blonde women as both objects of his cinematic power and as protagonists who ultimately defy his control.- The portrayal of the "Hitchcock Blonde" character archetype
- The evolution of the "Hitchcock Blonde" in Hitchcock's filmography
- The destruction and re-creation of the "Hitchcock Blonde" in *The Birds* and *Marnie*
- The role of gender and power dynamics in Hitchcock's films
- The use of suspense and psychological manipulation in Hitchcock's work
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This chapter provides an overview of Alfred Hitchcock's career, highlighting his signature themes and techniques, including the use of suspense, the "MacGuffin" device, and the exploration of anxiety, blame, and the loss of identity. The introduction also introduces the concept of the "Hitchcock Blonde" as a key motif in Hitchcock's filmography.
- The role of the Hitchcock Blonde: This chapter explores the role of the "Hitchcock Blonde" in two of Hitchcock's earlier films, *Dial M for Murder* and *Rear Window*. The chapter analyzes the archetypal traits of the "Hitchcock Blonde," exemplified by Grace Kelly's performance in *Dial M for Murder*, and how these traits contribute to the films' themes of suspense, manipulation, and power dynamics.
- New Approaches: This chapter examines the evolution of the "Hitchcock Blonde" archetype in Hitchcock's later films, focusing on *The Birds* and *Marnie*. The chapter explores how Hitchcock utilizes blonde women as protagonists who are subjected to both physical and psychological violence while also displaying resilience and agency.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This bachelor thesis focuses on Alfred Hitchcock's filmography, analyzing the evolution of the "Hitchcock Blonde" character archetype in his films. The paper examines the interplay of gender, power dynamics, suspense, and psychological manipulation in Hitchcock's work, with a particular focus on *The Birds* and *Marnie*. Key terms include: Hitchcock Blonde, blonde women, character archetype, gender, power dynamics, suspense, psychological manipulation, *The Birds*, and *Marnie*.Frequently Asked Questions
What is the "Hitchcock Blonde" character archetype?
The "Hitchcock Blonde" refers to the cool, sophisticated, and often endangered blonde women who appear as a leitmotif throughout Alfred Hitchcock's films, such as Grace Kelly or Tippi Hedren.
How does Hitchcock use his power as a director over these characters?
Hitchcock often creates these women according to his imagination, subjects them to destruction (physical or psychological), and then attempts to rebuild or re-create them within the narrative.
Which films are analyzed in this thesis?
The thesis focuses primarily on *The Birds* (1963) and *Marnie* (1964), while also referencing earlier roles in *Dial M for Murder* and *Rear Window*.
What is the significance of the "destruction" of the blonde in *The Birds*?
In *The Birds*, the character Melanie Daniels (Tippi Hedren) is systematically stripped of her social poise and physical safety, culminating in a brutal attack that serves as a literal destruction of her "cool" persona.
How does *Marnie* explore psychological manipulation?
*Marnie* focuses on trauma, identity loss, and the attempt by a male figure to "cure" or re-create the blonde protagonist, highlighting complex power dynamics and gender roles.
What are typical traits of a Hitchcock blonde?
They are usually portrayed as icy, elegant, seemingly untouchable, but possess a hidden fire or vulnerability that is exploited through the film's suspense.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Beatrice Hölting (Autor:in), 2011, The Destruction and Re-creation of the 'Hitchcock Blonde' in "The Birds and Marnie", München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/195750
