North by Northwest Analytical Essay Essay Example

North by Northwest Analytical Essay Paper Alfred Hitchcock uses a number of techniques throughout his Academy Award nominated picture, North by Northwest. This ensures the viewer stays on the edge of their seat for the film’s duration and further solidified Hitchcock as the master of suspense that he is known as today. Of these techniques, music and sound, narrative structure and camera use are integral in the creation of suspense. The use of sound and the lack of it at moments during North by Northwest are key suspense techniques employed by Hitchcock. Music and sound helps the audience sense tension and trouble and is an indication of what is to come in the scene. When background music begins to speed up and becomes louder the viewer is alerted of an approaching climax and most, if not all, suspenseful scenes of the film contain these characteristics. For example, in the Mount Rushmore scene, which sees Thornhill and Kendall navigating the cliff face, there are loud drums and a fast paced rhythm that helps to draw the audience. If the scene didn’t contain background music, as well as other suspenseful moments, the viewer would not feel anywhere as much and their anticipation as to what is going to happen next would not be the same. We will write a custom essay sample on North by Northwest Analytical Essay specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on North by Northwest Analytical Essay specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on North by Northwest Analytical Essay specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer North by Northwest’s narrative structure is also used to produce suspense. The plot constantly keeps the audience guessing and all the while Hitchcock keeps the audience a step ahead of the characters, which adds even more suspense with the audience more aware of what is to come. At first, the audience is just as stumped as protagonist, Roger Thornhill, until the audience is present at a CIA meeting. In this meeting, the audience learns that George Kaplan, the man Thornhill is mistaken for, does not actually exist and that the CIA plans to use Thornhill as a diversion to help an unknown agent in the field.  In the meantime, Thornhill continues his search for Kaplan, whom the audience of course knows does not exist. The audience also watch