Fear in Film: North by Northwest

In the film North by Northwest Cary Grant plays Roger Thornhill. He knows advertising, but doesn’t have a clue about the dark underbelly of crime that he finds himself thrust into when he is mistaken for someone else.  This classic Alfred Hitchcock movie not only featured a stellar cast, but included the basis of at least two distinct fears.

Agoraphobia

The Fear of Stuff glossary indicates this is, “A phobia that results in the fear of going outside or public spaces. This phobia routinely causes panic attacks when there is the perception that there is no control over a situation.”

This is no more evident than the scene below where Grant’s character is being pursued by a crop duster fitted with a will to destroy.

The clip is not included to try to instill fear, but for those who may be exploring what events can spark this fear. Please do not view if you have a fear of open spaces.

Grant plays an innocent man and the fear of being chased adds to the ambiance of anxiety prevalent throughout the film. As disturbing as his encounter with the crop duster there is more danger that awaits Grant.

Acrophobia

The Fear of Stuff glossary indicates, “This term is used to describe someone who has an unnatural and often irrational fear of heights. This can limit the activities these individuals will participate in.”

In the case of North by Northwest Grant and co-star Eva Marie Saint find themselves above Mount Rushmore and their escape requires them to face the fear known as acrophobia.

The clip below demonstrates the fear and how it was faced in this movie. Again, if you suffer from acrophobia you may want to skip viewing the clip.

It’s interesting to note that there are several movies that explore phobias as a component of movie making. It is designed to entertain most, but can have a negative impact on those who live with those fears on a daily basis. If, however, we can take an empathetic view at these characters in their roles as phobics we can perhaps gain a clearer picture of the pain they live through.

Movie Quotes

Now you listen to me, I’m an advertising man, not a red herring. I’ve got a job, a secretary, a mother, two ex-wives and several bartenders that depend upon me, and I don’t intend to disappoint them all by getting myself “slightly” killed.

You gentlemen aren’t REALLY trying to kill my son, are you?

Well, didn’t you hear what I said? I want to be take to police headquarters. I’m a dangerous assassin, I’m a mad killer on the loose.

I don’t like the way Teddy Roosevelt is looking at me.

Alfred Hitchcock

Hitchcock always provided movies that were intriguing, yet played off the human emotion of fear. This creates a struggle for those who fear, yet can be an effective tool to use in gaining an understanding of the fear common to mankind.

There has always been the question of whether art imitates life of if, perhaps, the opposite is true. I’m not sure I can answer the question, but perhaps in some strange way Hitchcock has done us an unusual favor – understanding.

Contact a Therapist

We will match you with the best therapist in your area.

First Name:

Last Name:

Email:

State: -- Select a State -- Alaska Alabama Arkansas Arizona California Colorado Connecticut Washington D.C. Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Iowa Idaho Illinois Indiana Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Massachusetts Maryland Maine Michigan Minnesota Missourri Mississippi Montana North Carolina North Dakota Nebraska New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico Nevada New York Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Puerto Rico Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Virginia Vermont Washington Wisconsin West Virginia Wyoming

Describe Your Needs:

Submit Request:

Do you need to get professional help? Find a Therapist

Ads by Google