Discussion: North by Northwest (Alfred Hitchcock, 1959, USA)

Consider the following questions about Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest (1959) and share your comments in the thread below. Continue checking the discussion threads to read your classmates comments. Find opportunities to reply with your thoughts to their posts, so we can have a mutual exchange of ideas and engage in discussion together about the film. At the end of the week, your instructor will post additional research from various critics and film reviews, so be sure to view those as well.

How would you apply the tenets of the Anti-Communist Films or Cold War hysteria reaction films to this film? Cite specific examples from the film to support your conclusions.

How does this film portray the theme of identity?

How would you examine Thornhill’s conversation with the Professor when he states “I don’t like the games you play.” Explain what you think this conversation is really about.

What might be the symbolism of Mount Rushmore in the film?

What questions, if any, do you have about the material from this unit?