Dark Themes and Character Analysis
The film's core revolves around manipulation and obsession, showing how people use others to fabricate their desired reality. Scottie transforms from victim to manipulator after discovering Judy's deception, yet he fails to recognise his own manipulative behaviour.
Gender dynamics reveal disturbing power imbalances, with men controlling and reshaping women's identities. Many critics argue this reflected Hitchcock's own obsession with recreating Grace Kelly through other actresses - his famous preference for "icy blondes" whom he believed "make the best victims."
Jimmy Stewart's casting was revolutionary, as Hitchcock recognised the actor's hidden dark side beneath his heroic image. Stewart's character gradually loses all heroic qualities, becoming increasingly obsessive and controlling.
Voyeurism represents Hitchcock's signature theme, evolving across his films from Rear Window plot−centred through Vertigo (visual following) to Psycho (perverse and violent). This progression shows Hitchcock making audiences complicit in the act of watching itself.
Film Analysis Tip: Notice how Hitchcock makes you feel uncomfortable about watching - that's intentional audience manipulation!