Sociology - Understanding of the Music of Vertigo and Citizen Kane

UNNIVERSITY
Music Assignment
Understanding of the Music of Vertigo
and Citizen Kane
Student Credentials
4/21/2020

Sociology 1
Vertigo
Question 1:
Ostinato refers to a particular phrase that is used again and again in a song and in similar
musical voice or pattern to draw attention to a particular situation or scenario that the
composer wants the audience to notice (Blim).
Use of Ostinato in Vertigo by Herrmann has had an effect on the viewer’s such that it spirals
around just like the situations depicted in the scene of the movie and helps the audience to
understand the scene better since it depicts obsession clearly and spirals around particular
situations only (Classic fm).
The producer as well as director of the infamous movie, Vertigo which was released in 1958
was, Alfred Hitchcock. This movie is categorised as the American Film noir Psychological
Thriller film. Hitchcock was known as the master of suspense due to his work as a detailed
and influential individual by directing more than 50 movies. He has been thoroughly and
extensively studied by the filmmakers in the cinema industry.
Bernard Herrmann was the composer for the movie Vertigo. Born in 1911, Herrmann was
famous for his unique approach to music. Repetitive sentences, utilizing parodies of past
style, static collection of chords and even instead of using long and extensive melodies,
keeping it concise and repetitive were his signature marks. When initially he started working,
he was not recognised as the one with the wow factor, but throughout the years he improved
as well as kept his uniqueness as well.
Question 2:
In the clip, “Kim Novak in Vertigo (1958)" when seen without sound, seems as if there is an
individual trying to spy on a woman, while when the clip is watched again with sound, it