“The Lady Vanishes” A classic suspense romantic comedy with plenty of humor *Note! Contains spoilers.

Outstanding direction for the dining car scene

I have watched ``The Lady Vanishes'' many times over the years, and each time I see the scene where Iris and Gilbert converse in the dining car.

At this point Iris is doubting herself. Miss Froy, who disappeared like smoke, was not really on the train, and she begins to feel that it may have been just her imagination. The fact that he hits his head on a falling flower pot just before boarding the train is a foreshadowing. When Iris discovers the word "Froy" written on the window of the dining car, she becomes convinced that it actually exists.

"The Lady Vanishes" (c)Photofest / Getty Images

Probably any movie director would

① Close-up of Iris surprised by something

②Froy's text written on the window

③Iris shouts, “I had a girlfriend after all!”

④ Surprised Gilbert

I would probably take a picture of it. But Hitchcock

①Iris looks over Gilbert's shoulder toward the window.

②Close-up of Gilbert looking at her profile and saying, “How attractive.”

③ Close-up of Iris who keeps looking at the window. “Look,” I say calmly.

④Froy's text written on the window

and cut into pieces. In the first place, we, the audience, "know" that Froy's text is written on the window. Even when the two of them were having a casual conversation, I watched with bated breath to see when Iris would notice. Suspense is actually created when the two enter the dining car.

If that's the case, instead of inserting a close-up of Iris being surprised, more emotion should be created by letting the audience experience the excitement of her discovering the letters. And the moment he sees the words Froy written on the window, a loud whistle blows. It indicates that they are about to enter the tunnel, and at the same time emphasizes this great discovery as an SE (sound effect). Perhaps Hitchcock was calculating to that extent.

This is Hitchcock's masterpiece from the British era, and the origin of the train thriller. ``The Lady Vanishes'' is full of the young director's outstanding directing techniques.

Text: Rui Takeshima

A pop culture writer who wants to be kicked by Hit Girl. Host of the web magazine "POP MASTER".

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(c) Photofest / Getty Images