Week 2: 39 Steps

A scene that I found intriguing occurs right after Miss Annabelle Smith was stabbed in the back. During this scene at 16:17 and on, the small white map of Scotland is contrasted against a darker background. This high contrast allows for the audience to focus all their attention onto the map emphasizing its importance. In addition the scene is shot in the perspective of Richard Hannay; therefore allowing for the audience to enter into the mind of Hannay. After a few seconds in the center of the frame, a faded face of Annabelle Smith appears and repeats “there’s a man in Scotland whom I must visit next if anything is to be done. It is an only of matter of days, perhaps hours” This scene is important because he decides to go and continue Miss Smith’s mission because he believes it to be significant. Also there is foreshadowing when Annabelle says “Police will not believe me as you did.” This statement foreshadows how people will not believe in the truth when lies are easier to believe. Therefore demonstrating the difficulties he will face in order to determine what the 39 Steps are.

While watching 39 Steps, I was not sure why Annabelle Smith requested for the mirror to be turned over during 8:04. I found this strange because of the distance between her and the mirror was quite large. I was wondering if it is because of her reflection would be seen by the other two agents out on the streets or due to another reason? Another interesting aspect of the movie that I found was how there are  women who played significant roles in helping Hannay throughout the movie. Why did Hitchcock decide for women to aid  Hannay in his pursuit for the truth?