HITCHCOCK AND POINT OF VIEW:

THE NARRATIONAL SITUATION

 

A thesis submitted to the faculty of San Francisco State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree

 

Master of Arts
in
Film

 

by

Barbara G. Spear

San Francisco, California
August, 1995

 

Copyright by
Barbara G. Spear
1995


ABSTRACT

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

INTRODUCTION

ANALYSIS

CONCLUSIONS

NOTES

BIBLIOGRAPHY

 


Abstract

This thesis examines the use of the subjective device of point of view editing and its relationship to the unfolding of the narrative in Alfred Hitchcock's film Marnie. Rigorous analysis of the film has isolated point of view figures for each important character in relation to that character's place within the narrative. This has then been compared to the narrative trajectory of the film. Through the examination of point of view as a stylistic function of narration, I have revealed Hitchcock's transformation of a story, which outwardly seems to support the patriarchal agenda, into a sensitive acknowledgement of the ultimate defeat of a woman's struggle for independence and autonomy in a male-dominated culture.

 

 

 


Acknowledgements

 

Grateful acknowledgement is made to Jim Kitses and David Laderman of San Francisco State University and to Bill Guynn of Sonoma State University for their guidance in the completion of this thesis. Additional thanks are due to Bill Guynn for his continued support and encouragement as my teacher.

Also, I must recognize my debt to the late Christine Saxton, formerly of San Francisco State University, under whose direction this project was initiated: her inspiration remains with me.

 

 


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