An analysis of the auction scene to North by Northwest
             North by Northwest was directed by Alfred Hitchcock. The auction scene is a 'set piece' which is a technique frequently used by Hitchcock in many of his films. The set piece does certain things. It is in a specific and closed location, it also creates and/or answers certain enigmas, and it leads to a climax-especially in visual terms, and frequently a turning point in the narrative and lastly puts the hero in danger.
             The auction sequence begins with a musical segue as he enters the building, this is used to create a flowing motion rather than one that stops and starts. It is important to note that Thornhill (Cappalin) is purposely putting himself into danger-why is he doing this-an enigma is created in the audiences mind. We then cut to a CU of a mans hand dominating round a woman's shoulder-Ms Kendall. This signifies his masculinity and power that he has over her-it is quite ambiguous. The camera zooms out to reveal three people surrounding her-she is encoded and represented to be very weak. The collection of three people in this way is known as a triumvirate. After a tracking shot there is then a revealing one, which exposes our hero-Thornhill. He is in the place of danger with a triumvirate of people against him. Ironically he is in a public place, which would suggest to us that he is safe.
             Hitchcock then gives us a Classic Hollywood shot-Thornhill looks immaculate-his hair is perfect and his clothes fit him absolutely and are flawlessly clean-similar to a hero shot, it is a star shot. More enigmas are created as an unusual shot is used by a craftsman-there is a line that goes directly through his head. To complete his masculinity his facial expression is very stern and serious-he has an objective. All of this is very much similar to the James Bond character. North by Northwest is where the idea originated.
             We then immediately no of his...