Genre Research-Iconography, Characters, SettingBy Olivia Houlton

The Lodger- IconographyIconography- Alfred Hitchcock often used catholic iconography in his work. For example, when Jonathan Drew tries to escape the angry mob, who think he is the killer, and he catches his handcuffs on the fence, there are certain connotation of the crucifixion.

Religious iconography in The Lodger

A painting of the crucifixion by Marco Palmezzano1490

The Lodger- IconographyIconography- Another example of the Catholic imagery in Hitchcock’s work is his use of the Pieta (Virgin Mary holding the body after crucifixion). This is when Jonathan Drew is lowered from the fence and Daisy holds him in her arms.

Pieta in The Lodger

Pieta by HendrickGoltzuis

The Lodger- Iconography

Iconography- Another example of the Catholic imagery in Hitchcock’s work is his use of a shadow in the shape of a cross on Jonathan Drew’s face. The use of this religious iconography may symbolise his suffering and innocence

The window frame casting a shadow in the shape of a cross upon Jonathan Drew’s face

A Catholic Cross

The Lodger- Characters

StereotypesDaisy- stereotypical damsel as she is very dainty and fragile, also she feels love at first sight of Jonathan DrewMr. and Mrs. Bunting- stereotypical parents as they are very caring and worried for the well being of their daughterCountertypesJonathan Drew- Mr. Drew is the anti-villain as although he appears as a villainous role, he really turns out to be the hero as is trying to hunt down the killerJoe- Joe and Daisy are sweethearts at the start of the film and he is presented as the hero. However, as he begins to get jealous of the closeness developing between Daisy and Jonathan Drew a darker side to him is shown. ProtagonistJonathan Drew- He is the protagonist due to him being at the centre and heart of the filmJoe- He is the antagonist as he is very against Jonathan Drew due to him having suspicious that he is the killer and for stealing Daisy away from him.

The Lodger- Setting

London

• During Victorian London the industrial revolution took place creating a smoggy and creepy setting

• Also this urban setting echoes the setting of the “Jack the Ripper” murders too further enhancing the theme of enigma

Rear Window- Iconography

• Iconography- The frames of the window of the apartment Jeff looks into have iconography of filmstrips. Perhaps this is to reflect on Jeff’s career as a photographer the strong theme of observing and witnessing

Film-strip iconography in Rear Window

Conventional Filmstrip

Rear Window- Characters

• Stereotypes

Jefferies- He is the protagonist and main focus of the film. He is a stereotypical hero in the sense that he sticks to his believes and concurs the evil Thornton represents. However, he is also a countertype due to his lack of physical ability due to the injury to his legs, therefore has to rely on the female characters to help solve the mystery.

Thornton- He is a stereotypical villain as he is very suspicious and calculating throughout. Also he tries to deny and get away with murdering his wife but in the end good concurs evil.

• Countertypes

Lisa-Although Lisa is a stereotypical damsel as she is attacked by Thornton when she breaks into his house, she is also quite brave and takes innovative which adds to her conventional stock character.

Rear Window- Setting

⁻ Paramount studio especially constructed 32 apartments on their set so that each shot was properly lit and the ideal city scape was created

- The apartment was a non-existent address: Manhattan 125 W. 9th Street

- The backyard setting is quite limiting and challenging however is also very relatable to many people therefore the audience could engage more with the plot and film

Fatal attraction- Iconography

Iconography- Alex boils Dan’s bunny in order to get revenge on him. The rabbit has iconography of breeding and fertility which echoes the affair Dan and Alex had and how Alex is now pregnant which Dan’s child

Fatal Attraction- Iconography

Iconography- The genre of a psychological thriller has certain connotations of blood and violence. This is definitely captured in the film as there are several scenes with very vivid imagery of gore.

Fatal Attractions- Characters

Stereotypes:

Beth (wife)- Stereotypical damsel as she is very much a vulnerable and a victim of Alex

Ellen (daughter)- Stereotypical child, she is very innocent, unsuspecting and trustworthy of Alex

Countertypes:

Dan- He is a sort of anti-hero as he sets out to do bad by having an affair with his wife, however he fights for good in the end as he kills Alex in order to save his family. He is also very much the protagonist as the story is centered around him and his family

Alex- Although she is the villain in the story, at the start she is very unsuspicious. Also, she is a damsel too, because she is self-harming and has no respect from Dan either.

Fatal Attraction- Setting

• The film is set in New York.

• This urban settings has connotations of being quite busy and bustling which adds to the chaotic plot line and structure.

• The towering buildings can have quite eerie and intimidating connotations which reflects on the genre of a psychological thriller.

Flight Plan- Iconography

Iconography- The iconography of the heart Julia draws on the plane window demonstrates the amount of love, affection and attachment between the mother and daughter.

Flight Plan- CharactersStereotypes:

Julia- Kyle Pratt’s daughter, Julia, is a very stereotypical damsel as she is young and powerless

Gene Carson- Gene is a stereotypical villain and antagonist as he is very scheming however no one is suspicious of his hidden intentions

Countertypes

Kyle Pratt- Kyle is the protagonist and hero of the plot. However she is also a damsel too due to her loosing her daughter and no one on the plane believing her story. Also, the audience is forced to question her sanity as her heroic abilities are not made clear until nearer the end of the film

Stephanie- Stephanie is Carson’s sidekick to the evil plot, however she backs out and runs away once the plane has landed. This is very unconventional of an evil sidekick role but effectively adds to the drama of a one on one fight between Pratt and Carson.

Flight Plan- Setting

The film is almost entirely set on a plane. This is very effective in communicating the theme of entrapment and panic. Also, this setting enhances the sense of enigma when Julia goes missing as there are only so many places to hide on a plane